Dozens missing in a landslide in El Salvador

A landslide caused by heavy rains left at least six people dead and 35 people missing early morning on Friday in Nejapa, a community north to the capital of El Salvador.

According to Civil Defence authorities, some 40 houses were destroyed when a landslide on the slope of the San Salvador volcano swept away trees and the modest homes of the residents of Los Angelitos community.

Security forces joined the ongoing rescue efforts by the National Fire department and the Red Cross.

Ricardo Ventura, part of the search and rescue team on site, told reporters at the scene that "several families were swept away by the river flowing nearby."

Heavy machinery was sent to help remove the debris and search for survivors.