Heavy rainfall in Peru has led to landslides and flooding affecting 20 regions, with over 57,000 people impacted. A state of emergency is declared in 157 districts. The government is mobilizing resources and coordinating emergency responses, while UNICEF monitors the situation, focusing on protecting children’s rights.
In Peru, heavy rains have resulted in widespread landslides and flooding, significantly impacting 20 of the country’s 24 regions. As reported by the National Information System for Response and Rehabilitation (SINPAD) in 2025, over 1,771 emergency incidents have occurred, prompting a state of emergency in 157 districts. Huancavelica is the most affected region, with forecasts from the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (SENAMHI) indicating worsening conditions ahead.
The National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) indicates that more than 57,000 people have been affected, including approximately 17,000 children. The destruction caused has damaged or destroyed over 27,000 homes, 79 classrooms, and 14 health centers. Additionally, over a million meters of roads and more than 200 bridges are reported to be compromised, affecting transportation and access to basic services like water and electricity.
Many families reliant on agriculture face food insecurity as crops have suffered due to the severe weather. The closure of Arequipa’s airport for 12 days further exacerbates the situation, limiting access to crucial supplies and emergency response. The upcoming school season is also jeopardized, heavily depending on the recovery of affected regions.
In response to this crisis, the government has enacted Supreme Decree No. 021-2025-PCM, declaring a state of emergency across 20 regions. Essential goods such as food, clothing, medicines, and equipment are being delivered to impacted areas. Furthermore, the government has deployed over 480 military personnel and 116 rapid intervention units to aid recovery efforts, alongside organizing more than 600 heavy machinery units to maintain vital communication routes.
INDECI is coordinating local evacuation plans and ensuring the availability of health services and emergency personnel in affected regions. Local populations are advised to strengthen home structures, establish early warning systems, and formulate Family Emergency Plans as per INDECI guidelines. UNICEF is actively collaborating with INDECI and local authorities to monitor the situation and uphold children’s rights during the crisis.
The heavy rainfall in Peru has caused significant disruption, affecting thousands and damaging critical infrastructure. The government has quickly responded by declaring an emergency and mobilizing resources to mitigate the situation. Coordination between government bodies, local authorities, and UNICEF is essential to aid affected communities, particularly vulnerable populations like children.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
