Peru Declares 60-Day Emergency Over El Nino Rainfall Threat

Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency covering 893 districts in 23 regions as heavy rains linked to the 2026-2027 El Nino threaten the country.

The measure took effect Tuesday, Sept. 1, through a supreme decree published in the official gazette El Peruano. The decree described the expected extreme rainfall as posing a “very high risk” and said the emergency designation would support efforts to prevent and reduce its impact.

Regional governments will carry out intervention plans under the technical coordination and monitoring of Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defense. Relevant ministries, public institutions and private organizations will also provide support.

The decree says the measures must directly address the climate threat. Authorities may adjust them during implementation in response to safety needs and technical reports.

The government based the decision on a situation report that found local governments did not have enough capacity to handle the expected conditions on their own. National operational and technical assistance was therefore considered necessary.