Witness History
Witness History
The deadliest glacial avalanche in the world
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May 26, 2023
10 minutes
Available for over a year
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)