Key facts
- Peru declared a state of emergency in 796 districts due to El Niño-related rains.
- The state of emergency covers approximately 40% of the country.
- The decree allows for extraordinary measures to mitigate high risks.
- Funding will be fast-tracked to secure vital infrastructure like bridges and roads.
- Over 700 districts are affected across the Pacific coast, Andes, and Amazon.
- 68 people have died due to rain-related causes since December.
Peru's government has declared a state of emergency in 796 districts, representing about 40% of the country, due to heavy rains and flooding associated with the El Niño phenomenon. The decree, signed by interim President José María Balcázar, enables the government to implement extraordinary measures to reduce the "very high" risks faced by these regions.
The measure aims to expedite funding for local and regional authorities to repair and secure vital infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and water and electricity systems, while prioritizing the safety of residents. Over 700 districts along the Pacific coast, in the Andes, and within the Amazon are now under this state of emergency.
Authorities have reported that approximately 931 kilometers (580 miles) of roads have been damaged nationwide, with the most severe destruction concentrated in the four regions most impacted by the rainfall. Since December, 68 people have died due to rain-related incidents, including landslides and drowning.