Landslide sweeps through Venezuela town; 22 dead

A landslide fuelled by flooding and days of torrential rain swept through a municipality in central Venezuela, leaving at least 22 people dead as it dragged mud, rocks and trees through neighborhoods, authorities said on Sunday. Dozens of people were missing.

The official death toll rose to 22 after the recovery of 20 bodies on Sunday. Drone images from Sunday showed homes and other buildings damaged as local residents looked through the area. Dozens of neighborhoods, businesses and houses were destroyed.

Shelters will also be set up for the protection of those who lost their homes. Rescue workers were carrying out search and rescue work with the help of trained dogs and drones, authorities said on Sunday. Crews of workers and heavy machinery removed debris to clear roads and restore electricity and water services.