7 dead in El Salvador landslides

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - Authorities in El Salvador said seven deaths were reported early Thursday after homes were destroyed in a landslide.

The landslides occurred in the Huizucar and Panchimalco municipalities in central El Salvador where both cities experienced heavy rains early Thursday.

Following reports of the landslide in Huizucal, the Civilian Protection, National Police and Armed Forces rushed to conduct rescue efforts.

In Panchimalco, a second landslide was reported that resulted in the deaths of two people and an injured minor.

"Unfortunately, seven people have died, two in Panchimalco and five from a family group in the municipality of Huizucar," said the head of Civil Protection, Luis Alonso Amaya.

Authorities said dirt, trees and debris engulfed the homes of the deceased in the two municipalities.

They reported that one victim died on the way to the hospital while the injured minor is currently under medical care.

"The topography of the terrain, plus the rain and tree load have been factors," said firefighter department director Baltazar Solano.

El Salvador has been under alert since Sept. 20 because of heavy rains.

Residents near the landslides have relocated to shelters.​​​​​​​