Venezuela floods: At least 20 dead as severe rains, mudslides ravage Merida

 At least 20 people have died in the western Venezuelan state of Merida due to the mudslides and rivers overflow that occurred because of intense rains.

San Cristobal: At least 20 people have died in the western Venezuelan state of Merida following intense rains that caused mudslides and rivers to overflow. On state TV on Wednesday (August 25) a ruling Socialist Party official in Merida announced the death toll had risen and said authorities were working to restore telephone service in some areas. State governor Ramon Guevara said earlier that more than 1,200 houses had been destroyed and 17 people remained missing as rescue workers search the wreckage.