A landslide has destroyed two homes and killed 13 people in the town of Manzanatitla in Veracruz State, central Mexico, about 320 km east of Mexico City. The incident happened late in the evening of Monday 9 September 2013, following several days of heavy rain. At least six children are among the deceased, including five siblings and an eight-month-old baby. Two people were pulled from the wreckage alive. The rains have also caused widespread flooding in the region, and another child is reported to have died after being swept away in Terra Blanca, roughly 100 km to the southeast.
The approximate location of the 9 September 2013 Manzanatitla landslide. Google Maps.
Landslides are a common problem after severe weather events, as excess pore water pressure overcomes the sediments cohesion and allows it to flow downhill. Approximately 90% of all landslides are caused by heavy rainfall.
See also Six children dead in Honduran landslide, At least one dead as Tropical Storm Juliette crosses the tip of Baja California, Thirteen dead after Tropical Storm Ferdinand hits Veracruz State in southeast Mexico, Two people killed as Hurricane Barbara makes landfall on Mexican south coast and Seven people killed in Mexican landslide.
Follow Sciency Thoughts on Facebook.
