Peruvian Navy Warns of Safety Risks at Costa Verde Concert Venues

The Peruvian Navy has raised serious safety concerns regarding two popular concert venues, Arena 1 and Costa 21, located on Lima's Costa Verde in the San Miguel district. According to naval officials, these venues are situated on land reclaimed from the sea, making them inherently vulnerable to seismic events and other emergencies. This warning comes from the Captain of the Port of Callao, Amílcar Velásquez, who referenced technical reports from the Peruvian Geophysical Institute (IGP) and the Geological, Mining, and Metallurgical Institute (Ingemmet).

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Según informes técnicos del Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) y del Instituto Geológico, Minero y Metalúrgico (Ingemmet) concluyen que estos terrenos no serían adecuados para albergar estructuras destinadas a eventos masivos.

These reports conclude that the ground conditions at these sites are unsuitable for hosting mass events. Velásquez highlighted that the existing evacuation routes are insufficient to handle a large crowd in the event of an emergency, such as an earthquake or tsunami. He pointed out that during a 2023 event, congestion led some attendees to evacuate via the cliffs, underscoring the perilous situation. The Navy also expressed concerns about the instability of the soil and the potential corrosion of metal structures due to the marine environment, which could lead to accidents.

The Navy's warning also touches upon a concession issue. In 2019, the Navy granted a concession for over 530,000 square meters of the Costa Verde to the Municipality of San Miguel for public works and recreational spaces. However, the Navy claims these lands were later used for private concert venues, violating the original agreement. Consequently, the Navy revoked the concession in 2022 and filed complaints with various authorities, including the Prosecutor's Office and the General Comptroller's Office. They have also requested the intervention of Indecopi, Peru's consumer protection agency, to ensure attendee safety.

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Además, alertó que las vías de evacuación existentes resultarían insuficientes en caso de una emergencia durante un concierto.

This situation underscores a critical conflict between commercial interests and public safety in a geologically sensitive area. While these venues have become popular spots for entertainment, the Navy's warnings, backed by scientific institutions, suggest that the risks may outweigh the benefits. The Peruvian public, especially those who attend these events, deserve clear information and assurance that their safety is prioritized. The Navy's proactive stance aims to prevent potential tragedies and ensure that public spaces are used responsibly and safely, adhering to both environmental and structural integrity standards.

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Uno de los principales peligros está relacionado con la inestabilidad del suelo y el desgaste de las estructuras metálicas expuestas al ambiente marino.