Lima - At least 50 people were missing and 1,000 displaced yesterday morning in Peru after a sudden volcanic eruption on Sunday caused mudslides that buried five Andean villages north-east of Lima, an official said.
The eruption sparked mudslides that buried the village of La Pucara, which is perched on the side of a mountain, as well as four neighbouring towns.
Most of the missing are residents of La Pucara who were taken completely by surprise. Sixty homes in the town were destroyed.
The first rescuers did not arrive until yesterday, since the affected area is eight hours from the nearest large city of Cajamarca. Only one army plane carrying six tonnes of water was able to land near the scene.