The government will declare a state of emergency in certain Peruvian jungle-areas in light of increasing rains and rising river flows, Defense Minister Jorge Nieto announced on Monday.
"River flows are rising in the jungle. Thus, along with President [Pedro Pablo Kuczynski] and first Vice-President [Martin Vizcarra], we have decided to initiate proceedings to declare a state of emergency and take preventive measures before the worst hits," he explained.
In parallel, a state of alert has been declared for ministries, Armed Forces and the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) in response to downpours in southern Peru.
The immediate measure will allow authorities to keep an eye on the situation and respond to any contingency as fast as possible.
On the other hand, the government official referred to landslides that recently hit Santa Eulalia, Chosica and Chaclacayo districts (northeast of Lima Metropolitan Area).
As is known, heavy rains —which started on Sunday at 2:00 PM— led to emergency in the mentioned districts.
The landslides left 96 affected families and 15 injured persons (all treated). Likewise, it damaged 96 homes, 1 school and 12km of highway (already cleared).
"The emergency, the complicated situation has been addressed," the Minister reiterated.
Remarks were made from the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN), where the Defense head joined President Kuczynski and Vice-President Vizcarra to monitor emergency control actions.
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