Heavy rains have triggered deadly mudslides in southern Peru, with authorities recovering the bodies of a father and son who died in the disaster. The southern regions of Ica and Arequipa have been severely affected, with an estimated 5,500 homes impacted and many people forced to evacuate.
According to Peruvian authorities, the governor of Arequipa has announced the opening of multiple shelters to house those fleeing the floods, as the region calls on the country's interim president to declare a state of emergency. The Council of Ministers reported that over 700 districts nationwide have been declared in emergency status.
In the Cayma district of Arequipa, a vehicle was seen semi-buried under mud, and homes teetered on the verge of collapse after flash floods swept away the earth and destroyed roadways. Rescue teams have been working to clear streets using mechanical earth movers.
Regional Emergency
The recent flooding has caused widespread damage across southern Peru, affecting about 5,500 homes and forcing many residents to evacuate. The El Niño Costero climate phenomenon has been cited as the cause of the recent heavy rain in Peru, with weather forecasters expecting it to strengthen slightly next month.
Images shared by Peruvian media showed streets torn up in the affected areas and vehicles buried deep in the mud slides. The recovery of the father and son's bodies came a day after 15 people were killed when a military helicopter crashed while providing rescue services during the flooding.
The wreckage of the helicopter was found in the Chala district, with seven children among the 11 passengers and four crew members who died. The flooding has been linked to the El Niño phenomenon, which scientists increasingly believe is exacerbated by climate change.
Source: Reuters, Associated Press, AFP
