Deadly Torrential Rains

Flooding and mudslides causedby torrential rains have killed 21 in Venezuela.  The rains, which started last week, have made 5,600 people flee their homes.  Gov. Capriles has issued a "state of alarm" for Miranda and has called upon President Hugo Chavez to declare an emergency in the state.  Other areas have already been declared in an emergency state, this way they receive more aid at a faster rate.  November is usually a rainy season fro Venezuela but this time they have received a lot more rain past the rainy season.  This ties in to what we have been talking about in class with mitigation because there are many different effects floods can bring that many might not be expecting.  In Venezuela many are without power and roads are unaccessible due to high water or mudslides covering the roads.  As you can see in the picture below in some areas water is up to their knees.  This high water may seem harmless but many of those who have died have been children who have gone out to play in the water and been swept away.  This is where education would definitly be helpful because many probably do not know how much power a flood can have.  Below is a link to a youtube video of flooding in this area previous to this flood that shows just how powerful these flood waters can be.  I would have embedded the link but I was not allowed to.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFGBqCX6AQI

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/11/30/world/main7105140.shtml