At least 8 dead in southern Peru landslide, more missing

Alandslide triggered by strong rains in Peru killed at least eight people in the country's southern Arequipa region, national emergency services said on Monday.

Officials said another five people are missing after the landslide struck near the town of Secocha, located in Camana province, following last week's heavy rainfall in the area.

Local media have reported higher death tolls, figures Reuters was not immediately able to confirm.

Peru's national emergency centre COEN said searchand-rescue efforts were ongoing.

The Defence Ministry said on Twitter it was assisting in the efforts by providing helicopters, tents, water tanks, sandbags and disaster relief personnel.

The deadly landslide follows nearly two months of anti-Government pro- tests in the South American country, largely centred in Peru's Andean south, after the December 7 removal of former President Pedro Castillo.

The protests have left dozens dead while injuring hundreds. (Reuters) trative capital of the Sool region, said at least 34 people were killed and 40 injured in Monday’s fighting. Farah said he had seen the bodies brought to the hospital.

A second doctor at the hospital confirmed the death toll and said the facility had been targeted with mortar shells.

Somaliland authorities could not immediately be reached for comment on the death toll. (Reuters)