Caracas, June 26: Rescue teams continued search and relief operations across western Venezuela on Thursday after days of torrential rainfall triggered widespread flooding and landslides, leaving several people dead, dozens displaced, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Authorities said the hardest-hit areas include parts of Mérida, Trujillo, Barinas, and Táchira states, where overflowing rivers and mudslides have cut off roads, damaged bridges, and disrupted essential services. Emergency personnel have been deployed to assist affected communities and assess the extent of the destruction.
Heavy Rain Triggers Widespread Damage
Continuous rainfall over the past several days caused rivers to overflow, inundating residential areas and agricultural land. Floodwaters swept away vehicles, damaged public infrastructure, and forced hundreds of families to evacuate their homes.
Several highways connecting remote mountain regions were blocked due to landslides, making rescue operations more challenging. Local authorities have been working to restore road connectivity and deliver food, drinking water, and medical supplies to isolated communities.
Rescue Teams Search for Missing Persons
Emergency responders, including firefighters, civil protection officials, and military personnel, have intensified search operations in areas where people are reported missing.
Rescue teams are using boats, helicopters, and heavy machinery to reach affected villages and clear debris. Temporary shelters have been established to accommodate displaced families while relief agencies continue distributing essential supplies.
Government Mobilises Emergency Response
President Nicolás Maduro said the government has activated emergency response measures and directed national and regional authorities to provide immediate assistance to flood-affected residents.
Officials have also begun assessing damage to public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. Restoration work is expected to continue over the coming weeks as floodwaters gradually recede.
Agriculture and Infrastructure Hit Hard
The flooding has caused significant losses to agriculture, with large areas of farmland remaining submerged. Local farmers reported damage to crops and livestock, raising concerns about the economic impact on rural communities.
Engineers are inspecting damaged bridges and road networks to determine repair requirements and restore transportation links as quickly as possible.
Weather Conditions Remain Unstable
Meteorological authorities have warned that additional rainfall is possible in parts of western Venezuela, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides. Residents living near rivers and on unstable hillsides have been advised to remain alert and follow evacuation orders if issued.
Disaster management agencies continue to monitor weather conditions while coordinating rescue and relief efforts across the affected regions.
The government has appealed for cooperation from local communities as emergency teams work to locate missing persons, restore essential services, and support families affected by one of the country’s most severe weather events this year.
Source: Reuters, Venezuelan Civil Protection Authorities
Original Report:
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/
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