A landslide in Peru’s Amazon rainforest region has resulted in the death of at least 12 individuals, with around 50 others reported missing. The incident occurred early Monday at approximately 05:00 local time (10:00 GMT) when the landslide struck two boats docked at a river port in Iparia, located in the central Ucayali region. A police report cited by Andina news agency confirmed that the landslide caused one ferry to sink and severely damaged another vessel that was carrying numerous passengers.
Emergency rescue efforts are underway, with the injured being transported to local hospitals. National police and the Peruvian Navy are involved in the search for additional survivors, and there are concerns that children may be among those missing. According to the National Emergency Operations Center, the landslide was attributed to erosion along the bank of the Ucayali River, which feeds into the Amazon.
Local media reports indicate that approximately 50 individuals were aboard one of the affected boats. Rescue operations have faced challenges due to the swift currents of the river, complicating recovery efforts. Among the passengers were children, teachers, and healthcare workers, highlighting the diverse group that was on board at the time of the incident.
Authorities are currently collaborating with families who are gathered at the scene to ascertain the exact number of individuals still unaccounted for. The ferry had departed from Pucallpa the previous day and was en route to several riverside communities, including Caco Macaya, Curiaca del Caco, and Pueblo Nuevo del Caco.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0n1rm95yxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss