Collapse in Pataz: the body of a child under three years old is recovered

The landslide in Pataz continues to report regrettable news. After several hours of work, the rescuers have managed to recover the bodies of 7 citizens. Tonight, the Minister of Defense confirmed that he found the whereabouts of the remains of a minor who was only three years old, who was the last victim to be located.

“With deep regret I want to report that we have recovered the body of a child under 3 years old in the town center of Retamas, where a few days ago a hillside slide occurred. We will continue to give all our support to the families affected by this tragedy,” said José Luis Gavidia, Minister of Defense, through his Twitter account.

Santiago Indalecio Vasquez (62), Rolando Robles (32), Edith Quiñones de Robles (32), Zenaida Polo de Robles (35), a girl under 14 years old, a baby and a child under three are the confirmed fatalities until the moment of the landslide that occurred on the morning of March 15.

According to the Peruvian National Police (PNP), among the rescued victims is a baby whose characteristics correspond to that of a one-month-old girl. The minor was found next to the body of a woman in the central market in Retamas. “Most likely, he tried to protect the girl, and the collapse has buried them both,” said the authority.

ANNOUNCED DISASTER

The Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (Ingemmet) had already issued a statement in which it classified the disaster area as “high risk” due to its proximity to the hill ravine. Miguel Ángel Solano Ortiz, from the Risk and Disaster Commission of the College of Engineers of La Libertad, also pointed out that local authorities have not carried out inspections of the buildings. Buildings of up to ten floors have been built in the affected area.

At the end of last year, the manager of the municipality of Parcoy warned about the risk of the affected locality as it is on the marginal strip of the Parcoy River. “We have had a report for a year (where) we indicated to the mayor of the respective district to prevent the construction of homes in this area. Building licenses are granted by the respective municipalities. But right now what we have to look at is (rescue) all these people, there are several families, many people who are affected there,” said the regional governor, Manuel Llempén, on Canal N.

It should be remembered that this is not the first time that disaster has knocked on the door of the town of Parcoy. In 2016, the lives of 11 citizens were lost and the area had been declared uninhabitable. Unfortunately, the warnings were not taken into account and those living in the area faced constant danger.

“There are approximately 60 to 80 houses that have been completely covered by the slide of the hill. This area is not suitable for housing because there are not many areas available for construction, which is why most houses are (of) more than two floors and there are many people who are trapped inside the houses,” said the regional governor of La Libertad after the disaster that occurred at the beginning of this week. Several authorities have come to the area, including the president of the republic, Pedro Castillo.

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