Lima, Peru, 2 December (H.S.): A tragic landslide near the Amazon River in Peru’s Ucayali region caused two passenger boats to submerge, resulting in at least 12 confirmed deaths, including three children, with many others reported missing. The disaster occurred early Monday morning at the river port of Iparia when a sudden erosion of the riverbank triggered the collapse.

According to official reports, approximately 50 passengers were on one of the vessels, which was carrying local indigenous families, medical professionals, teachers, and residents traveling between riverine communities. One boat sank completely, while the other suffered severe damage after the collision prompted by the landslide.Rescue operations involving the Peruvian Navy and national police have been launched, with helicopters deployed to assist in finding survivors amid challenging weather conditions marked by heavy fog and swift currents.

Authorities have retrieved nine bodies so far, with around 20 injured and an estimated 40 still missing.The flood season and hazardous whirlpools in the river are complicating rescue efforts, underscoring the risks faced by residents who rely heavily on river transport in Peru’s dense Amazon basin.

Families of the missing gather at the port, anxiously awaiting news as the search continues.This devastating incident highlights the particular vulnerabilities faced by remote Amazon communities where natural disasters and limited infrastructure pose ongoing challenges.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar