Two dead, five missing after river overflows in western Peru

LIMA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- At least two children were killed and five people remain missing after a river overflowed early Monday in the western Peruvian region of Ancash, local health authorities confirmed.

Ricardo Natividad, a regional health official, said the incident occurred in the district of Independencia, in Huaraz province, after a landslide caused the Casca River to overflow.

"The police are searching for survivors and victims. So far, they have reported five missing people and two deceased children," Natividad said in a video shared on social media.

He added that health teams are providing mental health support to affected residents, many of whom are struggling with hunger.

According to Peru's state news agency Andina, around 100 people were affected. Authorities also reported several homes damaged, three bridges destroyed, power outages, and the collapse of local roads. ■