Torrential rain in southeast Venezuela has affected 4,500 families and is sending floodwaters gushing through the country's major hydroelectric dam, authorities and local media said on Monday.

The precipitation caused the two main rivers in the country, the Orinoco and the Caroni, to surge over their banks, causing damage in the states of Bolivar, Delta Amacuro and Amazonas, the Civil Protection service said.

Local media showed images of flooded houses and streets, and residents trying to save furniture from the water.

They also showed video of water gushing through Venezuela's Guri hydroelectric dam, which provides 70 percent of electricity for the country.

The opposition called on the government to take urgent action with the dam to prevent the flooding from worsening, adding another point of discord in the country, which is in the grip of a deep economic and political crisis.

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Angolan leader opens nation's largest hydro plant
Luanda (AFP) Aug 4, 2017
Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who steps down from office at the end of this month, on Friday officially opened the country's largest hydro-electric dam. Being built by Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht at an estimated cost of $4.3 billion, it is designed to produce 2,070 megawatts and aims to reduce power outages in Angola, a major oil producer. It will be one of the most pow ... read more

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