death toll rises to 20 in venezuelan floodings

The death toll in the flood and landslide that hit the western province of Merida in Venezuela rose to 20, and 17 people are missing. More than 200 houses were destroyed in the area. Some towns, including Tovar, Bailadores, Zea and Santa Cruz de Mora, are experiencing power outages as floodwaters damage transformers. At least 54,543 people were affected by the floods in 87 municipalities in the region where roads and bridges were severely damaged.