Deadly landslides have occurred in neighboring Venezuela over the weekend, with homes swept away in Las Tejerias city, located south of Caracas.

At least 25 have died as a result of the tragedy which President Nicolas Maduro described as “difficult and painful”.

The death toll is likely to climb as rescue teams continue search efforts for 52 missing people.

The landslide, caused by the biggest river flood in the area in 30 years, is the worst so far this year in Venezuela, which has seen historic rain levels in recent months.

In August, at least 15 people died in the Venezuelan Andes after heavy rains triggered mud and rock slides.