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Guatemala landslide: Death toll climbs to 107

Authorities fear the toll from the Guatemala mudslide will soar over time, with 107 confirmed dead and at least 300 still missing.

Guatemala
Source: AAP

At least 300 people are still missing in a mudslide on the outskirts of Guatemala City, after rescuers pulled more bodies from the muck.

The death toll reached 107 with the recovery of the remains of more than 20 more victims on Sunday, before rescue work was stopped due to rain, which raised the risk of further mudslides.

Authorities fear the toll from Friday's disaster will soar over time.

Finding survivors becomes highly unlikely within 72 hours after a mudslide, though Guatemalan President Alejandro Maldonado ordered continued rescue efforts as soon as conditions allow.

"May God have mercy on the dead, grant healing to the injured, comfort loved ones and give the rescue workers strength," he said on Twitter.

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Around 1,800 rescuers and volunteers have been at work in the residential area of Santa Carina Pinula, where the mudslide struck early on Friday after days of rain.

Witnesses said the steep hillside gave way and slid onto about 125 houses, inhabited mostly by poor families.

Pope Francis prayed for victims of the disaster in front of a crowd of thousands on St Peter's Square in Rome.

Residents quoted by the Prensa Libre newspaper said authorities had not warned them of any danger.

About 300,000 people living around Guatemala City inhabit an area susceptible to mudslides, according to disaster protection officials.

 


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



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