Transcript for Death toll rises after tragic mudslides in Peru

at about 80 degrees. Springlike in the south. Sam, thanks so much. Now to Peru and those tragic mudslides. Following intense rains. Some heroic rescues giving many hope. Here's ABC's Marci Gonzalez. Reporter: In the fast-moving, muddy water and piles of dangerous debris. A woman almost washed away. As she tries to free herself, her hair seemingly gets stuck. Before she finally pulls herself to safety. One of many lives narrowly spared from Peru's raging flooding and mudslides. That officials say have killed more than 70 people so far this year and left more than 70,000 people homeless. Tonight, as intense downpours overwhelm towns and send rivers pouring over their banks, desperate rescues are under way. Near the normally dry capital city of Lima, dozens of people crowd onto rooftops above washed-out streets. Ziplines being used to bring families and pets over fast-rising water. Others are forming human chains to get to dry ground. Tonight, half of the country is declared a state of emergency. Officials say this is the worst flooding in Peru in nearly two decades with much more rain still expected. Tom? Marci thank you.

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