The News
Thursday 25 of April 2024

After Rains Cause Mudslide in Guatemala, Nine Dead and Two Missing


Man observes what is left of his home after a landslide that caused several casualties in Villanueva,photo: Reuters/Saul Martinez
Man observes what is left of his home after a landslide that caused several casualties in Villanueva,photo: Reuters/Saul Martinez
After Tuesday's rains, the lack of drainage caused water to accumulate and eventually triggered the mudslide

At least nine people died and two people were missing from a small town near Guatemala City on Wednesday after intense rains the night before caused a mudslide, emergency workers said.

Around 50 people were affected and various homes were damaged in Santa Isabel II, a town 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the capital, David de León, a spokesman for the national emergency services, told reporters.

After Tuesday’s rains, the lack of drainage caused water to accumulate and eventually triggered the mudslide, De León said.

A child looks at the site where a landslide took place causing a trailer to fall on top of homes causing several casualties in Villanueva, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, Guatemala, September 7, 2016. REUTERS/Saul Martinez
A child looks at the site where a landslide took place causing a trailer to fall on top of homes causing several casualties in Villanueva, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, Guatemala, September 7, 2016. Photo:Reuters/Saul Martinez

Authorities opened shelters for those affected, while emergency services continued to look for survivors.

The rainfall caused flooding and mudslides across the Central American nation.

Last year, Guatemala had one of its worst ever natural disasters when nearly 300 people died in a mudslide in Santa Catarina Pinula on the southeastern flank of Guatemala City.