More than 8 000 homes destroyed as severe floods and landslides hit Venezuela

Heavy rain has been affecting Venezuela over the past few days, causing severe floods and landslides and resulting in casualties and damage. Government officials confirmed 15 fatalities and 6 people missing on August 25.

The worst affected states are Amazonas, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolívar, Delta Amacuro, Mérida, Monagas, Táchira and Zulia, as well as some parts of the area of Caracas.¹

More than 35 500 people have been affected and at least 8 100 homes were destroyed. 

Mudslides and overflowing rivers inundated communities in Mocotíes Valley Area, state of Merida, triggering powerful floods that dragged cars through streets, buried roads with mud, rocks and debris, and damaged or destroyed homes. Power supply has been cut in affected areas.²

Merida governor, Ramon Guevara, reported 11 fatalities in the municipality of Tovar and two in the municipality of Antonio Pinto Salinas. Officials later reported 2 fatalities in Sucre municipality. Six people are still missing.

Moderate to heavy rain is forecast over most parts of the country on August 25 and 26, particularly across western Venezuela.

References:

¹ DG ECHO – August 25, 2021

² Venezuela – 15 Dead After Floods and Mudslides in Merida – FloodList

Featured image: Flood damage in Merida, Venezuela – August 2021. Credit: Government of Merida