Peru and Ecuador agree to protect Zarumilla Canal amid El Niño rains

Authorities from Peru and Ecuador have agreed to strengthen the maintenance, protection, and security of the Zarumilla Canal and the La Palma intake, vital binational infrastructure serving their border populations. This decision emerged from a meeting of the Permanent Binational Commission, as reported by Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Given the heightened risk of extreme weather due to the El Niño phenomenon, Peru emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive maintenance of the border canal this year. Proposed actions include clearing the canal's bed and undertaking interventions at critical points to restore its hydraulic capacity and mitigate the risk of overflows and infrastructure damage. The Ecuadorian delegation also indicated its readiness to secure resources for renewing the annual insurance policy covering the Zarumilla Canal and the La Palma intake.

In terms of security, both countries committed to enhancing the physical protection of this shared infrastructure, particularly against unauthorized border crossings. These agreements were finalized during the XVI Ordinary Meeting of the Permanent Binational Commission for the Administration of the Zarumilla Canal and the Utilization of its Waters, held in Machala, Ecuador.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Juan Del Campo Rodríguez, Director General of Border Development and Integration of Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Fredy Muñoz, Ecuador's Vice Minister of Water. Both officials reaffirmed their countries' dedication to coordinated and efficient management of this shared resource. An extraordinary meeting is scheduled for mid-November to assess advancements in maintenance, insurance renewal, and security measures. Peru's National Study of the El Niño Phenomenon (ENFEN) forecasts the continuation of the "El Niño Costero" phenomenon, with intense coastal rains predicted to persist until early 2027, potentially ranging from strong to extraordinary in magnitude.

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commitment of their countries with coordinated and efficient management regarding this shared infrastructure.