DHAKA: At least 131 people were killed in mudslides that smashed into a village outside Guatemala City, officials say three days after the disaster struck the Central American nation.
'Unfortunately, a new count shows that there are 131 confirmed dead and recovered,' and still about 300 people missing and unaccounted for, said volunteer fire brigade spokesman Julio Sanchez.
Authorities fear the toll from Friday's disaster will soar over time, skynews.com.au reported.
Finding survivors becomes highly unlikely within 72 hours after a mudslide, though Guatemalan President Alejandro Maldonado ordered continued rescue efforts as soon as conditions allow.
'May God have mercy on the dead, grant healing to the injured, comfort loved ones and give the rescue workers strength,' he said on Twitter.
Around 1800 rescuers and volunteers have been at work in the residential area of Santa Carina Pinula, where the mudslide struck early on Friday after days of rain.
Witnesses said the steep hillside gave way and slid onto about 125 houses, inhabited mostly by poor families.
Pope Francis prayed for victims of the disaster in front of a crowd of thousands on St Peter's Square in Rome.
Residents quoted by the Prensa Libre newspaper said authorities had not warned them of any danger.
About 300,000 people living around Guatemala City inhabit an area susceptible to mudslides, according to disaster protection officials.
** Guatemala landslide deaths rise to 73
BDST: 1015 HRS, OCT 05, 2015
RS
