A deadly landslide in central Peru killed at least twelve people, including three children, on Monday. The slide struck two boats docked along the Ucayali River at dawn and left dozens still missing. One ferry sank completely, while another passenger vessel was badly damaged. The boats carried teachers, doctors, families, and local community members. The disaster unfolded as emergency teams rushed to the remote site.
The landslide hit around 5am as passengers prepared to disembark at Iparia in the Ucayali region. Media reports said one boat had left Pucallpa on Sunday and was headed toward nearby river communities. Early videos showed people running along the riverbank as belongings floated away. Officials said the exact passenger count remains uncertain. Some estimates suggest up to fifty people may still be missing.
Rescue teams from the police and Navy launched operations immediately. However, harsh river conditions slowed their progress. Navy captain Jonathan Novoa said nine bodies have been recovered so far. He added that fast currents and dense fog made the mission dangerous. Authorities confirmed at least twenty people injured as searches widened. Helicopters were deployed to locate more survivors.
Officials said riverbank erosion triggered the landslide. The Ucayali River is one of the Amazon’s main headwaters and experiences frequent hazards during heavy rains. Teams are working with families to verify passenger lists and identify the missing. Dense Amazonian forest around the area has complicated rescue operations. Many communities rely on boats for essential travel.
Reports said children, teachers, and doctors were among the passengers. One vessel had been carrying people from an Indigenous community and had stopped at Iparia when the land gave way. The tragedy has deeply shaken local river populations. Residents fear more hazards as floods and strong currents continue. Authorities have vowed to continue search efforts despite the difficult conditions.
