San Jose, Nov 5 (DPA) A landslide in Costa Rica has left at least 20 dead and 30 people missing, the authorities say. At least 1,600 people have been left homeless in the disaster blamed on heavy rains.
A hillside gave way before dawn Thursday in the municipality of Lajas in San Antonio de Escazu, west of San Jose, burying numerous homes in mud. Most of the victims were still sleeping when the disaster struck, the authorities said.
Rescue efforts have been continuing round the clock, the authorities said.
A nationwide alert was called due to the heavy rains, and most schools remained closed Thursday.
