Rains, avalanches, and floods have marked Peru in recent days, leaving one person dead, several missing, and hundreds displaced across Lima and the northern regions, according to official briefings.
Officials from the National Police confirmed to EFE on Thursday that a 65-year-old man died in the Cieneguilla district of Lima’s Huarochirí province. He had disappeared amid a day of repeated avalanches and flooding in parts of the capital on Tuesday, an event that prompted red alert levels in Lima while the north endured the worst impacts. Although rainfall has eased in the capital, new avalanches have been reported in districts such as Chosica and Chaclacayo, damaging homes and key infrastructure.
Heavy rains in the highlands have swollen rivers, caused more landslides, and led to the destruction of homes and road closures. There were reports of leaks along the retaining wall protecting the Via de Evitamiento highway from the Rímac river in the historic center of Lima.
The National Emergency Center COEN reported six injuries, two people missing, and homes destroyed due to an avalanche in the Canchaque district in Piura’s northern region. Authorities launched response actions, delivering humanitarian aid to affected residents as they evacuated to hotels, relatives’ homes, conference rooms, and nearby community centers.
Senamhi, the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service, warned that streams could reach red level across 68 provinces in central and southern regions within the next 24 hours. Forecasts also call for moderate to heavy rainfall along the coasts of Tumbes, Piura, and Ica, with hail, snow, and sleet possible in the northern highlands. Snowfall above 4,000 meters and hail above 2,800 meters are anticipated, with heavy rain and strong winds expected in the southern and mid-high forests. These conditions underscore the risk of renewed floods, landslides, and river overflows as the weather system persists.
Defense Minister Jorge Chávez stated that five thousand members of the Armed Forces are ready to assist in the emergency response in affected areas. On Thursday he inspected the damage caused by avalanches along the coastal belt near Punta Hermosa, south of Lima, and noted the ongoing efforts of the First Multi-Purpose Brigade and the First Special Forces Brigade. He emphasized collaboration with local governments and the Lima Metropolitan Municipality to coordinate relief and recovery operations.
The heavy rains have intensified across Peru since last week as the effects of Hurricane Yaku unfolded and moved away from the Peruvian coast, leaving significant material damage in the country’s northern and central zones.