Emergency Decree for 90 More Days in Venezuela

Eight people have died and more than 4000 families have been affected by heavy rainfall in Venezuela this past week, as areas near Caracas and five states of  the South American nation are the most affected. Heavy rains over the past several days have caused landslides in many areas of Venezuela.The Venezuelan minister for Interior Relations and Justice, Tarek El Aissami, said the government set up 918 shelters throughout the country to assist those affected by the current rainy season.

He also announced that President Hugo Chavez approved a grant equal to $350 for each refugee family, and confirmed the extension of the emergency decree for 90 days in the Capital District and the states of Mérida, Miranda, Vargas, Tachira and Zulia.

On Friday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced the suspension of his trip to Argentina to attend the inauguration of Cristina Fernández.  He said that his priority was to address the situation in Venezuela.  (RHC) (photo taken from avn)

Heavy rains over the past several days have caused landslides in many areas of Venezuela.

Officials point out that from November 28th through December 7th, it has rained for 10 consecutive days.  And meteorologists warn that the soil is saturated and unable to absorb additional rainfall.