Scientist Pours Life Savings into Restoring Contaminated Peruvian Wetlands

An 11-year-old boy was rescued after being buried alive by his uncle in the Peruvian jungle in what authorities describe as an act of witchcraft. The incident occurred in January in the Asháninka community of Chequitavo, Ucayali region, where Rubén Sabino Oviriano, grieving the death of his mother from tuberculosis, was allegedly convinced that his nephew was responsible for her death, according to local officials. After attending a healer, Sabino Oviriano took the boy to assist with burying his grandmother. He then bound the child's hands and feet and placed him in a bag before interring him alive. Community members from the Gran Pajonal patrol, who were familiar with the burial, heard the child’s gasps for help and uncovered him just in time, as he was struggling to breathe. Following the rescue, local authorities filed a formal complaint against Sabino Oviriano for attempted homicide. The Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations is providing care to the boy and emphasizes the importance of child protection in the community.

Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency in response to severe flooding that has impacted various regions, including the capital city, Lima, and the southern region of Ica. The emergency declaration took effect on February 19, 2025, as heavy rains triggered landslides and river overflows, leaving numerous families stranded and prompting rescue efforts. "There are families who can’t cross due to the landslide. Please, come quickly to rescue all these people," a local resident urged authorities amid the ongoing crisis. As flooding worsens, police have successfully rescued individuals trapped by swollen rivers, with significant damage reported to infrastructure, homes, and crops in areas like Nazca. Emergency services continue to mobilize resources to alleviate the situation, with affected communities calling for urgent assistance. This extreme weather event highlights the vulnerability of Peru to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season. According to official reports, the emergency will enable provincial governments to access funds for relief and recovery efforts, although the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

In a shocking incident, a man attacked the renowned 12-Angle Stone in Cusco, Peru, using a metallic object, according to local police. The city's culture ministry reported that the vandalism inflicted "irreversible damage" on the ancient structure, which is celebrated for its exceptional stonework and historical significance as part of an Incan palace. Authorities apprehended a suspect shortly after the attack, suspecting he was under the influence of alcohol. The 12-Angle Stone is a significant tourist attraction and a symbol of the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilization, drawing numerous visitors each year. This incident raises concerns about the protection of cultural heritage sites in Peru, where tourism plays a crucial role in the economy. Preservation advocates emphasize the importance of safeguarding these historical treasures from vandalism and deterioration. As the investigation continues, local officials have reiterated their commitment to preserving Peru's rich cultural history.