Two dead and thousands evacuated after mudslides in Argentina

Storms in central and northern Argentina have caused mudslides leaving two dead and forcing thousands to evacuate the area of Jujuy.

The deceased were found in a battered car, believed to have been swept away by the mudslide in Volcan.

Thousands who sought refuge in local churches and schools were later evacuated by emergency services.

Communications were cut off with the towns of Volcan, Barcenas and Tumbaya when an electricity pylon was washed away by the mudslide.

Emergency coordinator Zoe Ali said: “The mud has reached homes and left them completely uninhabitable. These are small towns, but we have no information on the number of injured or dead.”

As previously reported, hazardous weather conditions have forced stage nine of the Dakar rally, which was due to pass through the area, to be cancelled.