On March 5, 2025, Peru declared a State of Emergency in various provinces due to severe rainfall, significantly impacting Tumbes. The emergency measures target both reactive and preventive responses. While Tumbes faces the greatest need for aid, other districts experience varying degrees of damage, prompting ongoing assessments.
On March 5, 2025, Supreme Decree No. 026-2025-PCM was issued, declaring a State of Emergency in multiple districts across various provinces in Peru, including Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, and others. This declaration was prompted by severe damage resulting from intense rainfall. The emergency measures encompass both preventive and reactive strategies, responding to the ongoing conditions exacerbated by heavy precipitation.
In Tumbes, where the decree was specifically enacted, substantial damage has already occurred to both the population and infrastructure due to intense rains. Other included districts continue to experience ongoing rainfall, with a high probability of future impacts as indicated by assessments from SENAMHI, the national meteorological service.
Preliminary evaluations from affected areas show varying levels of impact. For instance, heavy rain in Piura’s Canchaque area has affected 606 individuals and displaced 65, destroying one home and making 30 others uninhabitable. Furthermore, in Lima’s San Bartolomé area, rains have triggered landslides, causing material damage and temporarily disrupting local roads. Authorities are actively assessing the evolving situation and impacts.
Continued reports indicate additional damage; however, the overall severity in most regions appears less critical than that in Tumbes, which has reported over 8,000 individuals affected, highlighting its pressing need for humanitarian aid. Since February 22, the weakening of the South Pacific Anticyclone has contributed to escalated rainfall along Peru’s northern coast, necessitating urgent attention.
In summary, the declaration of a State of Emergency across several Peruvian provinces due to heavy rainfall reflects the significant damage and ongoing risk to both people and infrastructure. While Tumbes remains the hardest-hit area with over 8,000 individuals affected, assessments are still underway in other regions, with emerging reports of impacts and destruction. The situation demands immediate humanitarian assistance and further monitoring as conditions evolve.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
