As torrential rain swept through Venezuela, residents in the agro-industrial town of Las Tejerias in Santos Michelena, Aragua were affected as a massive landslide hit the area. Mud, rocks, trees, and debris swept through Las Terejias, causing the death of at least 35 people, with dozens still missing.

The landslide came from a nearby mountainside, as the rain continued to pound central Venezuela. Rescue and Recovery efforts are now underway throughout the state of Aragua.

Santos Michelena, where Las Tejerias can be found, is located approximately 54 miles (87 kilometers) southwest of Caracas. It is part of Aragua State. Meanwhile, Aragua Governor Karina Carpio stated that the flood waters "terribly affected" 21 sectors in Las Tejerias.

Venezuela Vice President Gives Updates About Aragua State Landslides

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez spoke to state-owned Venezolana de Television and revealed that five streams overflowed in Central Venezuela. A large landslide then happened and hurled debris into Las Tejerias.

She also confirmed that the search and rescue teams managed to recover 20 bodies on Sunday, before confirming that there are already 22 confirmed deaths at the time of her statement. She also said that more than 52 people are missing, according to Reuters.

"There are still people walled in," said Vice President Rodriguez, before stating that they are trying to rescue them, and to rescue them alive, according to the Associated Press.

The Venezuelan Ministry of Communications stated that at least 1,300 families have been affected by the landslide. They also revealed that 317 homes have been destroyed and 757 homes were affected.

Meanwhile, Vice President Rodriguez also added that approximately 10,000 families across the state are now experiencing water outages.

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President Nicolas Maduro Orders 'Maximum Deployment' to Aragua

CNN reported that on Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered the interior ministry and security agencies into what he calls "Maximum Deployment" to deal with the landslide.

Over 1,000 officials from the National Risk Management System and police officers have already been deployed to the state for search and rescue operations. He also added that over 20,000 officers are already in the state.

In addition, Maduro also declared three days of national mourning. He said that this will be "in solidarity with the families affected."

Major Gen. Carlos Perez Ampueda, who is the vice minister for risk management and civil protection, stated that trained dogs and drones have also been deployed. He also stated that work crews and heavy machinery are working to clear roads and remove debris, as well as restore water and electricity services.

The most affected by the landslides were those living higher on the mountainside, as their homes were swept away. Homes and businesses were also destroyed as the landslides swept through Aragua.

One of those swept away was an entire group of Evangelicals. According to Las Tejerias resident Carmen Teresa Chirinos, the group was praying when the landslides hit.

"There are a lot of people missing," Chirinos said. 

READ MORE: Colombia Mudslides Kill 5, Including 3 Children in Rural Elementary School

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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