ALERT: Peru- Heavy Flooding Causes Disaster Situation in Parts of Country (March 20, 2017)

March 20, 2017

The northern part of Peru is suffering severe flooding, leading to numerous deaths and injuries. Many popular tourist destinations in Peru, such as the Amazon, Cusco and Machu Picchu, have not been affected by flooding, and are safe to visit. Lima has been affected, and drinking water is in short supply.

The Washington Post says:

“The worst flooding in 30 years is scouring the arid landscape of coastal Peru. Exceptionally warm water in the Pacific Ocean is fueling torrential rain in western South America, which then comes pouring down out of the mountains. The extraordinary amount of water has overwhelmed surrounding towns.”

Accuweather.com notes:

“Current analysis shows water temperatures 4-5 C (7-9 F) above normal along much of Peru’s coastline, and this is unlikely to change for at least several weeks.

This abnormal ocean warmth could lead to additional rounds of flooding through April before the normally drier weather associated with Peru’s dry season begins to take hold in May and June.”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has emergency teams in several Peruvian regions. They report that:

“According to Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defence (INDECI), 75 people have died and over 625,000 are affected, including more than 70,000 who have lost their homes. The flooding, which started four days ago, is the result of record downpours that have engorged rivers, triggered landslides and wiped away people, crops and buildings.”

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