Collapse in Pataz: Citizens search for their buried relatives on their own account, in the face of delays by the authorities

The resumption of search for people who were buried in the rubble after the collapse of a hill in Pataz, La Libertad, is delaying more than expected. That is why citizens are looking for their relatives themselves.

The Canal N reporter told the case of a man who was looking, with a rotary hammer in hand, for his son-in-law. She explained that five meters from the wall she intended to break was her daughter's house, where her daughter's husband was still trapped.

He explained that the personnel of the Peruvian National Police and the Firefighters have not yet arrived at the scene to support rescue efforts. Only members of the Army, who for the time being are only supporting security efforts, are on site.

In addition to the same residents of the town center, artisanal mining workers have also voluntarily launched into the search. With their knowledge of the area and possible excavation areas, they are helping to find everyone they can, alive.

THEY DECLARE RETAMAS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY

On March 16, Pedro Castillo went to Retamas and supervised the work of removing earth, following the collapse of a hill in Pataz. Seeing the situation in which the town center was, the president decided to declare a state of emergency in the locality so that social support can be managed with priority.

“I have seen how everything is and I tell you that it will be declared an emergency. They will have the support of everything, they will be given everything. We must understand that this area is dangerous, so we are going to go to a place where there is health, education, work,” he said when he arrived in the town.

While touring the area where the collapse was reported, the president stated that it is necessary for the authorities and the executive branch to work together to transfer people from Retamas to another locality, after registration of the town center. This is because the area has a rugged and highly dangerous territory, especially because of the rains.

“What we have to do is order ourselves. We neighbors cannot continue to live in an overcrowded place. We can have posts, schools, but nature comes and takes us away with everything. If there is a place where we have to relocate the entire population, count on 100% support from the Government, but let's see a place to go out. Let's make an awareness-raising campaign for neighbors, colleagues, families and get out of here. Let's see a place where we relocate. They're going to have all the backing because there are our kids. The family is there, let's do that please,” he said.

He also pointed out that it is not possible to build housing in a non-habitable area and where there is continuous displacement of land.

“There are people who move from different parts of the country. I have found countrymen here even neighbors from Jaén de Chota and I see that they have a roof attached to the hill, next to the river. Okay, they're coming for the job, but we have to get sorted. We can't be living in these conditions. What is the point of putting a retaining wall from here to there if it is going to come from another side,” he said.

“It is up to the State, for that we have to make an alliance between the mining company and the State because the people who are here are supposed to work for the mining company. What we have to do is make the villager or neighbor aware. What is the use of having a car and a house with four and five floors if in the end how one ends up”, he emphasized.