On March 5, 2025, Peru declared a State of Emergency in several regions affected by severe flooding. Tumbes reports the highest level of impact with over 8,000 people affected, while other locations like Piura and Lima are also experiencing damage. Heavy rainfall has intensified due to the weakening South Pacific Anticyclone.
On March 5, 2025, Supreme Decree No. 026-2025-PCM declared a State of Emergency in various districts across Peru’s provinces. This measure was taken due to extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall affecting provinces including Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, and others. The declaration has both preventive and reactive purposes, given the ongoing emergency status resulting from severe precipitation.
In Tumbes, the decree was a direct response to significant damage to both population and infrastructure caused by intense rainfall. For other regions under emergency status, rainfall is still ongoing, with indications of increased intensity and potential future impacts as warned by SENAMHI. Preliminary assessments show varied effects across different areas, especially in Piura, where as of February 27, heavy rains impacted over 606 individuals, led to 65 displacements, and damaged numerous homes.
In Lima, the situation deteriorated by March 3 when heavy rains in San Bartolomé triggered landslides, disrupting roads and damaging properties. The assessment of the overall impact is still ongoing. Despite new reports of damage, Tumbes has been confirmed as experiencing the worst effects, with over 8,000 individuals requiring humanitarian assistance. An intensification of rainfall along Peru’s northern coast has been attributed to a weakening South Pacific Anticyclone, which began on February 22, contributing to the severe weather conditions.
The floods in Peru have led to a State of Emergency declared across multiple provinces due to severe and ongoing heavy rainfall. While Tumbes is currently facing the worst impact, necessitating immediate humanitarian aid, other areas like Piura and Lima also report significant damage and displacement. The situation remains fluid, with authorities continually assessing impacts and preparing for further developments linked to weather events.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
