Two teenage girls die after being swept away by floodwaters in Caracas

Two teenage girls, 15-year-old Dougleinys Gil and 17-year-old Jonairys Maza, drowned in Caracas after being caught in a flash flood during heavy rainfall early Sunday. The tragic incident occurred in the La Vega parish of the Venezuelan capital.

Gil was visiting Caracas during her school vacation with her father and siblings and was planning to return home to Cúa, Miranda state, soon. She and Maza, who were childhood friends and classmates, were in their fourth year of high school. Both were described by family and neighbors as exemplary and well-loved young women.

The two friends were among a group of young people waiting for Gil's father to pick them up. His journey was delayed due to a mechanical issue with his vehicle. In the interim, the group decided to play outside despite the intense rain.

Suddenly, the water level rose rapidly, sweeping away Gil and Maza. Although other adolescents were also caught in the flood, they were able to reach safety. The event underscores the dangers posed by severe weather in the region.