Human consequences
Entire neighbourhoods are swallowed under several metres of mud and rock.
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FloodVargas tragedy
15,000Deaths
Not quantifiedDisplaced / homeless
Not quantifiedEstimated cost
- Estimates of 10,000 to 30,000 deaths; many bodies were never found.
Torrential rain triggers mud and debris flows that race down the Cordillera de la Costa and bury the coastal towns north of Caracas.
Consequences
Environmental consequences
The debris pushes the coastline out by several hundred metres in places.
Economic consequences
The capital’s roads, port and airport are badly hit.
Political consequences
President Chávez turns down help from US military engineers, sparking fierce controversy.
Further reading
Similar disasters
- Derna floodsFlood · Libya2023
- Pakistan floodsFlood · Pakistan2022
- Vajont disasterFlood · Italy1963
- Storm XynthiaFlood · France2010
In the rankings : The deadliest floods No. 3
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