Heavy rains caused a river to overflow in Guatemala's capital, killing at least six people and leaving 12 others missing, authorities say.
Guatemala's National Disaster Reduction Coordinator said in a statement on Monday that the death toll had risen to six, including a girl, and 12 people were missing.
The five-year-old girl was recovered by firefighters partially buried in debris and mud about 5 kilometers downstream of the Naranjo River.
Garbage and other debris had effectively dammed the Naranjo River upstream, causing water to pool during the overnight downpour, Guatemala City officials said at a news conference late Monday.
When the dam broke, it unleashed a torrent that destroyed the precarious homes closest to the water's edge.
Authorities said neighborhood residents had been repeatedly warned to move out of the area due to the risk of flooding.
Images provided by rescuers showed evidence of domestic life scattered in the mud along the riverbank.
The army has established a command center to supervise rescue efforts.
