On March 5, 2025, a State of Emergency was declared in various districts of Peru due to severe rainfall. The emergency is crucial for preventive and reactive measures. Tumbes reported the highest level of damage, impacting over 8,000 individuals, while assessments in other regions continue amidst ongoing rainfall.
On March 5, 2025, the Supreme Decree No. 026-2025-PCM was enacted, declaring a State of Emergency across various districts in the provinces of Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lima, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Tacna, Tumbes, and Ucayali in response to significant damage caused by intense rainfall. This declaration serves both preventive and reactive purposes, addressing the ongoing emergency stemming from the heavy precipitation.
The decree was particularly warranted in Tumbes, where the population and infrastructure suffered severe damage due to rainfall. Meanwhile, other affected districts are experiencing ongoing rainfall, which is anticipated to increase in intensity, thus leading to potential future impacts, as indicated by the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (SENAMHI).
Preliminary evaluations have revealed varying effects across regions. In Piura, heavy rainfall on February 27 affected 606 individuals in Canchaque, resulting in 65 people being displaced, destruction of one house, 30 houses becoming uninhabitable, and damage to an additional 343 structures. In Lima, as of March 3, heavy rains in San Bartolomé triggered landslides that caused material damage, leading to temporary road disruptions. The full extent of these impacts continues to be assessed.
As the emergency progresses, further reports of damage are emerging; however, the levels of impact in these areas are not as severe as those in Tumbes, where over 8,000 individuals have been affected, highlighting a critical need for humanitarian assistance. This surge in precipitation since February 22 is attributed to the weakening of the South Pacific Anticyclone along Peru’s northern coast.
In conclusion, the State of Emergency in Peru, declared on March 5, 2025, addresses the widespread devastation caused by heavy rainfall across numerous districts. Among the affected regions, Tumbes has displayed the most significant impact, necessitating urgent humanitarian aid. Continuous assessments are underway to evaluate the evolving situation and ensure an effective response to the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
