At least fourteen people have died in El Callao, a mining town in the Venezuelan state of Bolívar, due to flooding caused by heavy rains. Heavy storms have hit especially the jungle areas where gold is mined. The rains caused the water to overflow toward the caves and shafts where the miners were working. Local authorities, including Civil Protection, are in the area to manage the emergency. Gregory Acevedo, president of the Damage Assessment Operational Zone, said that the incidents occurred in different areas of the Cuatro Esquinas de Caratal mining complex, near El Callao.
The rescue and identification of the victims are still awaited, as they remain trapped in the flooded areas. The rescue efforts include pumping out the accumulated water to assess the damage and continue the rescue. It is reported that eleven people were swept away by the sudden rise in the water, while three others succumbed while attempting to activate motor pumps during the storm. El Callao is known for gold mining, reflecting the 'gold fever' that attracts people in search of quick fortune, often in dangerous conditions. Mining activity in the region is linked to problems of organized crime and the presence of armed groups, amid efforts by Nicolás Maduro's government to boost gold production as a source of income. However, these actions have brought serious environmental and social problems.
Read the full news article on The Country.
