Peru: Heavy rains and flooding continue throughout the country

Event

The National Meteorological services (SENAMHI) warned that from Wednesday, February 13, heavy rain and strong winds will affect most parts of the country.

Strong winds are expected on the coastal areas from Lambayeque to Arequipa through February 14. Heavy rains are also expected between February 13-15 in the central and southern part of the country, along with wind gusts. Rainfall and related floodings are also expected to affect the northern coastal area along with the northern and central mountains. Finally, moderate to high intensity rainfall will occur in the southern highlands. Likewise, rain is also expected on the southern coast. These adverse weather conditions are expected to persist at least until February 17.

The most likely affected areas by these severe weather conditions include Ancash, Arequipa, Cusco, Junín, La Libertad, Lima, Moquegua, and Pasco.

Landslides, flash floods, riverbank erosion, bridge washouts, property damage, and power outage are to be anticipated in the most affected areas, with roads likely to be suddenly closed to traffic. As of February 13, the following closures have been reported:

- The Santa Teresa route to Machu Picchu is closed to vehicular traffic

- The Amazon route to Machu Picchu is not recommended

- Sacsayhuaman is closed to adventure tourism

- Parts of the Panamericana Sur are closed between Arequipa and Tacna

- Access to San Ramón, La Merced is restricted and the tunnel Yanango is closed

- The tourist routes, Olive and Wine - Chiribaya Museum, Ticsani (Moquegua), and Algarrobal (Ilo), have all been suspended  

Travel may continue to be affected throughout the rainy season which usually ends March 31.

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 - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.