The tragedy in Venezuela is worsening, with the death toll as a result of landslides climbing from 25 to 36, with two of the deceased identified as toddlers.

Landslides swept away homes, cars and other infrastructure in Las Tejerías over the weekend.

President Nicolás Maduro has declared three days of national mourning as search efforts continue for 56 missing people.

Efforts are slowed by a cut in electricity supply to the town has been cut, leaving it in darkness.

Interior Minister Remigio Ceballos said the landslides had been caused by Hurricane Julia, which passed just north of Venezuela.

“There was a record rainfall, as much rain in one day as is usually seen in a month,” he said.