At least six dead, 13 missing after flash flood in Guatemala

Naranjo River flows through the Dios es Fiel shantytown. Pic/AP

Heavy rains caused a flash flood in Guatemala's capital early on Monday sweeping several humble homes into a river and leaving at least six people dead and 13 missing, including 10 minors.

Guatemala authorities said on Monday that the death toll had risen to six, including a young girl, along with 13 people missing. Meanwhile, a 5-year-old girl was recovered by firefighters partially buried in debris and mud some 5 km down the Naranjo River.

Officials explained in a news conference later Monday that garbage and other debris had effectively dammed the Naranjo river upstream causing water to pool in the overnight downpour. When the dam broke it unleashed a torrent that swept away precarious homes closest to the water's edge. Residents had been warned repeatedly to move from the area because of the flood risk.

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