assured that his administration's priority is the rescue of citizens missing due to the collapse of a part of La Esperanza Hill in the town Retamas, Pataz province, northern Peru.
While visiting the disaster area, the Head of State spoke with residents whose homes were affected by the landslide and urged them to agree to be relocated to safe areas.
"I understand the need, but we must organize ourselves, since you cannot live at risk. We can build tracks, schools, but we must bear in mind that the force of nature comes and devastates us. If there is a place where you can relocate, you can count on the support of the State 100 percent," he emphasized.
In this sense, the top official urged residents to convince their neighbors and relatives of the need for a transfer, because the force of nature cannot be contained when high-risk areas are occupied.
"We cannot live under this condition. What is the use of putting up a retaining wall here if the landslide comes from the other side of the hill; besides, we are close to the river. The Mayor of Pataz, the Regional Government of La Libertad, and the (Peruvian) State are willing to see how we can relocate the families. I call on you to leave the area and go to a safe place where there will be services and schools," he said.
Moreover, President Castillo reported that a new contingent from the Army arrived to join rescue efforts, as did personnel from the Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud).
It must be noted that joint brigades of the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci), volunteer firefighters, mining companies, and National Police of Peru are working in the area on four fronts.
The President also announced that the Council of Ministers will declare the town of Retamas in emergency so as to guarantee all the corresponding assistance to locals.