27 Feb 2019 | 10:56 PM UTC
Peru: Heavy rains and flooding reported nationwide February 27 /update 1
Heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds cause damage nationwide as of February 27; severe weather expected through March 1
Event
Heavy rain and strong winds have resulted in flash floods and damaging mudslides in several regions as of Wednesday, February 27. Local reports indicate severe weather since Monday, February 25, has resulted in bridge collapses in Amazonas and Lambayeque regions, while several villages in Ancash region have been isolated due to flooding. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in 524 districts across 16 regions.
The national weather service (SENAMHI) has issued severe weather alerts for heavy rain and strong winds in the regions of Amazonas, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huanuco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Puno, San Martín, and Ucayali through 06:00 (local time) on Friday, March 1. Rainfall totals of 5 cm (2 in) and winds of up to 40 kph (25 mph) are expected through Friday morning. Associated flooding and landslides are possible, along with transportation disruptions and power outages.
Advice
Individuals in Peru are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flooding and associated transportation disruptions (including road closures), and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of moving water is enough to knock over an adult. Floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
