Peru has declared a nationwide state of emergency after torrential rains triggered severe flooding across large parts of the country, hitting the southern city of Arequipa and several other regions particularly hard.
Authorities said the emergency decree places more than 700 districts under special measures, allowing the government to fast-track funding and repairs for damaged roads, bridges and essential public services. Nearly 931 kilometres of roads have been affected so far, disrupting transportation and cutting off access for hundreds of thousands of residents.
Residents, assisted by members of the Peruvian Navy, were seen clearing thick mud and debris from flooded streets as waters receded in some areas. Interim President José María Balcázar toured affected zones this week to assess the damage and oversee coordination of relief and reconstruction efforts.
Officials said the scale of destruction has continued to grow since the onset of the rainy season in December. At least 68 deaths have been linked to flooding and landslides nationwide, with many more people displaced from their homes.
Government agencies have attributed the unusually intense rainfall to the El Niño Costero phenomenon, caused by warmer-than-normal Pacific Ocean waters that increase evaporation and swell rivers beyond their capacity.
Emergency services remain on high alert as meteorologists warn that further heavy rains could worsen conditions in already saturated areas. Authorities have urged residents in high-risk zones to follow evacuation orders and safety advisories as relief operations continue.
