Death toll in Mexico's landslide rises to 16

An aerial view of the site of the landslide in Amatan town, Chiapas state, Mexico, September 29, 2010. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
At least 16 people died and 13 more were injured in a landslide in Amatan town of southern Chiapas state, authorities said Wednesday.

The Interior Ministry's general coordinator of civil protection, Laura Gurza, told reporters that rescue teams had recovered 14 bodies and two more bodies were being removed from the mud.

Another landslide occurred in Chiapas' Nueva Colombia town, killing three people, she said.

Gurza said civil protection was on alert to any incident as rains in the area would continue for the coming hours.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Felipe Calderon expressed his sympathy and solidarity with the local governments in Amatan and Chiapas and offered federal aid to rescue operations and affected families.

Source:Xinhua