Peru coast hit by 'extraordinary rains' from El Niño Costero and DANA 'Aníbal'

Peru's coast has endured "extraordinary rains" in recent days, shattering historical maximums due to the combined effects of the El Niño Costero climate phenomenon and a high-level isolated depression (DANA) dubbed 'Aníbal,' reported the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (Senamhi).

The DANA's presence fueled these exceptional downpours in parts of the central and southern coast. Senamhi explained that this phenomenon increased humidity and cloud cover along the coastline, which, coupled with the anomalous ocean warming associated with El Niño Costero, led to intense drizzles unusual for the winter season.

Specific stations recorded unprecedented rainfall: Ite in the southern region of Tacna registered 10.2 millimeters, surpassing its previous record of 7.5 mm from January 1998 and its August record of 3.7 mm from 2007. Punta Coles in Moquegua recorded 8 mm, and Ilo reached 2.6 mm, both exceeding prior maximums. In Lima, the Villa María del Triunfo station logged 8.6 mm, a new record for that location, while Lomas de Lachay reached 15.8 mm, exceeding its previous record of 11.8 mm from January 1970.

These unusual and persistent rains caused significant flooding in southern Lima districts, affecting 298 people, 62 homes, three schools, and one market. The deluge led to collapsed sewers and power outages for safety reasons. President Keiko Fujimori visited the affected areas, warning that similar rains could recur and announcing that southern Lima and other regions would be declared emergency zones. She also stated that the state-owned water and sewage company, Sedapal, is being restructured to address deficiencies that led to the infrastructure collapses. Senamhi forecasts that DANA 'Aníbal' will continue its impact until August 19, bringing increased cloudiness and cold sensations to the central and southern highlands, continued moderate to extreme drizzles on the central and southern coast, and fog near the litoral.