Search for Venezuela landslide survivors continues, at least 36 people killed

Rescue workers continue to try to locate missing residents of a central Venezuela town, clearing rocks and mud from the streets of Las Tejerias three days after it was hit by a massive landslide that killed dozens.

Neighbours and rescuers — approximately 3,000 police, soldiers and other professionals — were engaged on Tuesday in an ever-more desperate search for possible survivors, but hope was quickly fading.

Officials said the landslide had killed at least 36 people, but warned the death toll could increase as bodies are found farther downstream from the hardest-hit neighbourhoods in the town, located about 50km (31 miles) from the capital, Caracas. At least 60 people were said to be missing.

 Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told state television Tuesday that the death toll from landslides and floods in Aragua state has risen to 39, while the number of missing was 56.

Maduro toured the affected areas in the city of Las Tejerias on Monday with a delegation, telling reporters that search and rescue efforts would continue uninterrupted.