Seven confirmed deaths after Peruvian landslide.

Seven people have been confirmed dead and six are still missing after a massive landslide hit the town of Chosica in Lima Province, Peru, on Tuesday 24 March 2014. A further 25 people are known to have been injured in the event, with about 65 houses destroyed and 45 more described as being in an 'unlivable' state after the event. This incident happened during a protracted period of heavy rainfall; landslides are a common problem after severe weather events, as excess pore water pressure can overcome cohesion in soil and sediments, allowing them to flow like liquids. Approximately 90% of all landslides are caused by heavy rainfall.

Trucks buried by the 24 March 2015 Chosica landslide. Andina News/AP.

The Peru has suffered a string of flooding and landslide events in recent weeks, leading to at least 28 deaths prior to Monday's landslide and around 80 000 people being displaced or otherwise effected. The rainy season in the Peruvian Andes lasts from September till May, with peak rainfall between January and March. The climate is highly variable across this region, with some areas receiving in excess of 10 000 mm of rainfall per year.

Damage to homes and cars caused by the 24 March 2015 Chosica landslide. Mariana Bazo/Reuters.

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