Rains in Caracas leave a tragic toll and significant damage to infrastructure
The Venezuelan capital is going through a critical situation due to the intense rainfall recorded in the last two weeks. According to the mayor of Caracas, Carmen Meléndez, at least five people have lost their lives as a direct consequence of the weather events that have battered the city.
The official report presented by the official details a landscape of destruction that includes the collapse of 31 trees, at least 29 landslides, and the flooding of 45 main roads. Although considerable damage has been reported in various homes, authorities have not yet quantified the exact number of families affected by these damages.
Waste management and risk prevention
Meléndez made an urgent call to the citizenry to maintain caution and foster a culture of responsibility in the management of solid waste. The mayor emphasized that the accumulation of trash in the riverbeds is a determining factor in the magnitude of the overflows.
The call is always for caution and awareness, as well as for the reuse of solid waste, through the circular economy method, to avoid the collapse of the tributaries.
Carmen Meléndez, Mayor of Caracas
During preventive maintenance work in creeks and ravines, cleaning crews have found large objects, including vehicle parts and disused household appliances. These items obstruct the natural flow of water, increasing the risk of flooding and seriously affecting the integrity of nearby homes.
Background and state of emergency
The situation has been the subject of criticism from various sectors, who point to the lack of preventive maintenance in the national infrastructure. Prior to this report, the Caracas Fire Department had already reported unfortunate incidents, such as the death of two girls in the La Vega parish after being swept away by a water current.
- Preventive eviction of 12 families in the La Pastora parish following the assessment of unstable terrain.
- Constant monitoring of vulnerable zones and high-slope areas.
- Execution of a permanent cleaning plan for the city’s drainage systems.
Authorities are maintaining active surveillance protocols due to the continued rainy season, urging residents in high-risk areas to follow the recommendations of security and civil protection agencies.
