Andina

Peru President calls for calm and trust

ANDINA/Prensa Presidencia

13:47 | Lima, Jan. 16.

Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on Monday requested citizens to remain calm, following heavy rains that led to landslides in towns located northeast of Lima Metropolitan Area.

Rains, which had started on Sunday at 2:00 PM, caused emergency in Chaclacayo, Chosica and Santa Eulalia.

In order to monitor State measures, Mr. Kuczynski arrived at Lima's National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) this afternoon.

While addressing the media, the Head of State requested inhabitants to trust the government, which currently undertakes corresponding prevention efforts.

"We need to be calm at all times in life, especially in a country that has been located in a seismic area for millions of years. Let's be calm and also confident the government, ministries and Indeci [the National Civil Defense Institute] can do things good and free of corruption," he expressed.

He also recalled that the Transport Ministry had deployed machinery to Santa Eulalia, Ricardo Palma and Chosica areas days ago, which eased the immediate cleaning up of the highway.

Likewise, Peru's top official said prevention "is key to tackling emergency situations."

In this sense, the President requested families to rely on an emergency kit at home; that is, a backpack containing bottled water, nonperishables, medicines and a whistle, among others.

"The question is how we manage to organize ourselves, so all Peruvian families will have something like this [emergency kit] and remain alert in case of earthquake or flood," he said.

Likewise, Mr. Kuczynski stressed that Indeci —organization attached to the Defense Ministry— is well-informed and supported by various portfolios.

"We are working altogether: [officials from the Ministries of] Transport, Health, Development and Social Inclusion," he underlined after holding talks with Santa Eulalia and COEN authorities on the emergency efforts currently underway.

At the site, the Head of State was joined by Vice-President Martin Vizcarra and Defense Minister Jorge Nieto.

(END) MVB

Published: 1/16/2017