Heavy Rain Triggers Massive Landslide in La Libertad Peru

Several people are missing and homes were destroyed after a massive landslide in La Libertad region in northwestern Peru on 15 March 2022.

According to Peru’s National Civil Defense Institute (INDECI) the landslide was the result of heavy rains. The landslide pushed part of a hillside onto homes below in the town of Retamas in Parcoy District, in the Pataz province of La Libertad.

According to an initial damage assessment carried out by the District Municipality of Parcoy late on 15 March, 6 people were reported missing. Search and rescue teams are working in the area and managed to rescue 3 people and locate a further 15 who were trapped.

An estimated 60 buildings have been affected. Initial assessments suggest 15 houses and 1 commercial building were completely destroyed.

Steep slopes in this region are known to be prone to landslides following heavy rainfall. A landslide struck in the town of Retama on 19 February this year, destroying 1 houses and severely damaging another.