Peru landslide kills 12 as boats swept away on Ucayali river

Peru landslide kills 12 as boats swept away on Ucayali river
People cross the Viru river after a massive landslide and flood in Trujillo, northern Peru, March 22, 2017.
Reuters

At least 12 people have died and 20 more were injured after a landslide struck Peru’s Amazon region, sinking two boats on the Ucayali River, local health authorities reported on Monday.

Two individuals remain missing, the regional health agency Diresa Ucayali said on social media. The landslide occurred at around 4:20 a.m. (09:00 GMT) in a port area of Iparia, approximately 415 km (258 miles) north-east of the Peruvian capital, affecting two vessels travelling to riverside communities.

State news agency Andina reported that national police and navy units were deployed by helicopter to assist in rescue operations.

One vessel, Rapido Oriente, was completely submerged, while the Deo Rigo sustained serious damage. The latter had been carrying passengers from a nearby indigenous community and had stopped at Iparia to allow disembarkation when the landslide struck.

Among those on board were teachers and medical professionals, Andina added.

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