A ferry disaster off the coast of Guyana and a significant earthquake in Peru have resulted in multiple fatalities and ongoing rescue efforts. The incidents highlight the vulnerability of communities in South America to maritime and seismic disasters.

Ferry Disaster in Guyana
On Saturday, a ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew sank near the coast of Guyana, leading to a massive search-and-rescue operation. As of Sunday, authorities confirmed that 67 individuals, including 15 children, had been rescued. The ferry, MV Barima, departed from Georgetown at approximately 3:15 PM for Port Kaituma but capsized around 11 PM after a distress call was received. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill stated that preliminary investigations indicated no mechanical failure or overload, attributing the incident to tidal conditions. The vessel was certified to carry nearly 400 passengers and was operating below its cargo limit. The search area has been expanded significantly, and local fishermen are assisting in the effort to locate the many missing passengers.

Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the moments leading up to the capsizing. Adam Matabheek, who was aboard with his family, described noticing the ferry leaning before it overturned. His wife, Carlita, who cannot swim, recounted her struggle to escape the submerged vessel. The couple, along with Adam's brother, spent the night drifting in the sea until they were rescued at dawn. Tragically, Nathaniel's wife and three children remain missing, deepening the family's anguish amid the rescue efforts.

Earthquake in Peru
Simultaneously, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake rocked the Andes region of Peru on Saturday night, resulting in at least six fatalities and injuring over 30 individuals. The quake struck at 9:24 PM, with its epicenter near Sicaya in Huancayo province. Reports indicate that around 300 people have been displaced, and several buildings, including a church, have collapsed. Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense office, highlighted that the use of traditional adobe materials in construction exacerbated the damage.

Residents in the agricultural region of Chongo Bajo faced significant challenges, with many left homeless and seeking shelter. Hermenegilda Guamalato, a local resident, expressed her despair as she searched for a place to stay with her three children. Peru is situated in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," making it prone to earthquakes, with the last major disaster occurring in 2007 when a 7.9-magnitude quake killed nearly 600 people.

Wrap-up
The ferry disaster in Guyana and the earthquake in Peru underscore the ongoing risks faced by communities in South America due to maritime and seismic events. Rescue operations are currently underway in both regions, with hopes of finding more survivors amid the devastation.

Sources
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team