Cristian Ochoa launches book on the 1960 Riñihuazo workers

Photographer and cultural manager Cristian Ochoa is launching his book, ‘Héroes olvidados del Riñihuazo’ (Forgotten Heroes of the Riñihuazo), in Valdivia on Wednesday, August 26. The project, funded by the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, aims to recover the voices of the workers involved in the ‘Operación Riñihue’—the massive effort that prevented the flooding of Valdivia and surrounding areas following the 1960 earthquake.

The book features interviews with participants such as Rudelindo Escalona and Jorge Vera Von Vriessen, alongside historical photographs from the archive of Juan Uribe. It provides a detailed look at the difficult conditions faced by laborers, including food shortages, health issues, the role of women, and the death of Eliecer Segundo Núñez Avendaño.

Beyond historical preservation, the work was inspired by the need to defend the San Pedro River in the context of modern hydroelectric project proposals. The launch event at the Mauricio Van de Maele Historical and Anthropological Museum will include geographer Claudia Douré and is part of a series of presentations across Panguipulli, Corral, and Los Lagos.