37 die in Mexico mudslides

Mexico City, Oct 2 (IANS/EFE) Thirty-seven people have died in mudslides in southern Mexico, authorities said Friday.

The southern mountainous states of Oaxaca and Chiapas have been hit by massive mudslides, triggered by heavy rains over the last few days, burying people and destroying homes. Three people are missing.

Roads were damaged, and electricity and potable water supplies have been badly hit.

At least 3,000 people have been left homeless in towns near the Oaxaca city.

Federal director of Civil Protection, Laura Gurza said more mudslides are forecast in the Chiapas and Oaxaca states.

She said there has been widespread deforestation in the region and the ground has been softened by the rains, causing mud and rocks to pour downhill.

–IANS/EFE