Huancayo, Peru—Two residents are missing and presumed dead after a sudden flash flood surged through their neighborhood on Wednesday. The river overflowed its banks following an unexpected deluge in the higher elevations. The water rose with such speed that many inhabitants had no time to retreat to higher ground.

Emergency workers reached the site shortly after the water began to recede, leaving behind layers of silt and debris. Several homes suffered structural damage as the force of the current battered foundation walls. Neighbors described the event as a wall of water moving through the streets with little warning.

Search and rescue teams are currently working along the riverbanks to locate the missing pair. The heavy current and murky water continue to hamper the efforts of the dive teams. Authorities have expanded the search perimeter downstream as the chance of finding survivors diminishes.

Local disaster management officials have ordered a temporary evacuation for residents living within the flood zone. The saturation of the soil has made the entire hillside unstable, creating fears of further landslides. Police have blocked off the main access roads to prevent public interference with the rescue mission.

Medical personnel are on standby at the scene to assist anyone recovering from the shock or exposure. The regional government is already facing scrutiny regarding the maintenance of drainage channels in the area. Many locals claim that the lack of clear water paths contributed to the severity of the flood.

Utility crews are working to disconnect power lines that were damaged by floating debris. The area remains in darkness as the search continues through the night with the aid of portable floodlights. No formal identification of the missing has been released by the local prosecutor’s office.

The recovery operation remains the primary focus of all available emergency services in the province. Officials are maintaining a constant watch on the water levels as rain continues to fall in the surrounding mountains.