Dozens Feared Dead in Mexico Landslide

A landslide has buried hundreds of homes in a remote area of southern Mexico, possibly killing dozens of people as they slept.
Authorities in the town of Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec say seven people have been confirmed dead, but more than 100 others are still missing. They say the death toll could increase significantly.

Officials say the hillside in the mountainous Oaxaca state gave way in the early mornings hours Tuesday after days of heavy rains.

On a post to his Twitter account, Mexican President Felipe Calderon said federal and state aid is on the way, but that officials were having a difficult time reaching the scene.

Officials say bad weather has been interfering with rescue efforts, and rescue workers are struggling to use heavy machinery on the rain-soaked, unstable terrain.

Mexican officials blame the mudslide on a series of tropical storms that have drenched the region.

Tropical storms and heavy rains have also caused a series of recent mudslides across Central America.