SAN CRISTOBAL, Venezuela—At least 20 people have died in the western Venezuelan state of Merida following intense rains that caused mudslides and rivers to overflow. On state TV on Wednesday a ruling Socialist Party official in Merida announced the death toll had risen and said authorities were working to restore telephone service in some areas. State governor Ramon Guevara said earlier that more than 1,200 houses had been destroyed and 17 people remained missing as rescue workers search the wreckage. “Let’s try not to make this political or ideological,” Guevara, a member of the Democratic Action opposition party, said. “Let’s all look for solutions to the problem.” Images shared on social media showed cars being swept down streets, buildings and businesses filled with mud, and mudslides that left boulders strewn across roads. Several towns in the affected area including Tovar, Bailadores, Zea, and Santa Cruz de Mora are without electricity …