The deadliest glacial avalanche in the world
Episode 10 min 12s

The deadliest glacial avalanche in the world

On 31 May 1970, the Huascarán avalanche, caused by the Ancash earthquake, destroyed the town of Yungay, in Peru.Only 400 people, out of a population of 18,000, survived. A clown, named Cucharita, saved approximately 300 children, who were at a circus performance, by leading them to higher ground. Rachel Naylor speaks to his son, Christian Peña. (Photo: Statue of Christ at the cemetery overlooking Yungay, after the avalanche. Credit: Science Photo Library)

HISTORICAL ARCHIVE & EVIDENCE
The original photo gallery, unedited witness statements, and the private archive documents mentioned in this historical report are now available for public access:
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