Peru mudslides 'leave 16 dead'

Floods and subsequent mudslides in Peru have left at least 16 people dead, according to the BBC.

Around 20 people have been reported missing in San Roman, with many more left homeless in the wake of destruction caused by the mudslides.

A state of emergency is now in place in San Ramon, which is located in the Junin district in the South American country.

Around 4,000 people have been affected and a number of homes destroyed since torrential rain caused rivers to flood and spill out into surrounding villages.

Access to the region is now limited as the torrid conditions have cut off roads, with some of the people affected now in isolated areas.

Searches are continuing for the missing people, however, the task is hampered by the mud and the continued threat of more rain.

San Ramon is an inland region, east of the capital Lima. Deforestation, which can lead to an increased risk of flooding, has been noted as an environmental concern in Peru.