Eight rescued from landslide in Peru, 15 still missing

A large landslide in Peru on Tuesday left 15 people missing, the country’s government said on Wednesday. So far, the police and fire brigades have rescued eight people and are searching for more survivors, reported Reuters.

"There are approximately 15 to 20 people who are missing," said Defense Minister Jose Luis Gavidia in a ministry statement after he examined the site.

Around 60 and 80 homes were completely buried after the mountain collapsed in La Libertad region in northern Peru, local authorities said on Wednesday.

"We estimate that between 60 and 80 homes have been affected by the landslide. There are many people trapped," Manuel Llempen, the governor of the Peruvian region of La Libertad, told a local news channel.

URGENTE: Varias casas son literalmente tragadas por un deslizamiento de tierra en Retamas, localidad ubicada en el distrito andino de Parcoy, en Pataz, La Libertad. Se necesita urgente ayuda. pic.twitter.com/itwu8sLGDW

— Johnny Aurazo (@johnnyaurazo) March 15, 2022

"We are drilling into the walls and saving and rescuing people whose homes have been covered," Llempen added.

Peruvian President Pedro Castillo Terrones said he would send support to the affected families in a post on Twitter. He also said he would visit the affected area on Wednesday. 

“We will support the affected families and coordinate various actions with the local authorities,” he said.

He dispuesto que el jefe del @indeciperu y el ministro de Defensa acudan a la zona afectada por el deslizamiento de tierra en la provincia de Pataz en la región La Libertad. Apoyaremos a las familias damnificadas y articularemos diversas acciones con las autoridades locales.

— Pedro Castillo Terrones (@PedroCastilloTe) March 15, 2022

The landslide resulted from heavy rains in the region, reported the National Civil Defense Institute.