Body found in Guaire River as authorities investigate whether it is one of two people missing from Los Teques

A body found beside the Guaire River in Miranda state may be one of two people missing since floodwaters swept through Los Teques, authorities said.

The discovery took place at about 5 p.m. near an old slaughterhouse in the El Nogal sector of Santa Lucía parish, in the Paz Castillo municipality. Rescue officials went to the site to recover the body.

The operation involved the Miranda state fire department, Civil Protection, the Scientific, Penal and Criminal Investigations Corps, known as Cicpc, and rescue groups. Forensic authorities took charge of identifying the person who was found.

Officials are assessing whether the body belongs to Richard Borges or María Alejandra Mijares. Both disappeared on Aug. 22 after the El Alambique creek overflowed in Los Teques. The couple, residents of San Pedro de los Altos, had been traveling in a vehicle with their 12-year-old daughter when the force of the water swept the car away.

The girl survived and received medical treatment. Her parents have remained missing since then, while rescue teams have extended their search across waterways in Miranda and Caracas.