Peru President Leads National Earthquake Drill

Peru's President Keiko Fujimori on Friday, August 14, 2026, spearheaded the nation's second major emergency drill of the year. The exercise, designed to test the readiness of citizens and authorities against various threats, saw thousands evacuate homes and workplaces at 3:00 PM.

Alarms on phones, sirens, and whistles signaled the start of the evacuation. Fujimori, accompanied by Prime Minister Luis Galarreta, Lima Mayor Renzo Reggiardo, and the head of the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci), Luis Enrique Vásquez, participated in the drill at Lima's Plaza de Armas. The exercise simulated an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Lima and the neighboring port city of Callao, prompting evacuations to safe zones from municipalities, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings.

The drill also included a simulated tsunami in Callao following the earthquake, according to EFE. Its primary objective was to evaluate established protocols and response capabilities for large-scale emergencies. In other regions, drills recreated the most frequent local hazards, with regional governments coordinating activities alongside institutions and communities.

Indeci reminded the public about the importance of emergency kits, containing non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, warm clothing, and hygiene items. Peru, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces a high risk of seismic activity. The country recalls the devastating 2007 earthquake in Ica, which caused a tsunami and resulted in approximately 500 deaths. These drills are considered crucial for risk reduction against future earthquakes and other natural disasters, helping the population learn evacuation routes and identify potential flaws in emergency protocols.

“

The exercise tested the preparation of citizens and authorities for different emergencies.