Red alert in Peru: Over 9 million at very high risk from El Niño floods and droughts

More than 9 million Peruvians are facing a very high risk of severe weather events linked to the El Niño phenomenon, including floods, landslides, and droughts. The National Center for the Estimation, Prevention, and Reduction of Disaster Risk (Cenepred) has released scenarios detailing these threats across different regions of the country.

The assessment, which incorporates meteorological and hydrological data from Senamhi, highlights distinct vulnerabilities. Peru's northern coast is particularly susceptible to intense rainfall and subsequent flooding. Conversely, areas in the southern highlands are at a heightened risk of precipitation scarcity and drought conditions.

Cenepred's data indicates that the Piura department has the highest concentration of people at risk from floods and landslides, with over 1.3 million individuals in 27 districts facing significant danger. Additionally, 20 districts in Piura are also among those most vulnerable to landslides and mass movements, affecting around 280,000 people.

In terms of drought, the southern highlands are the primary concern. Puno department leads this risk category, with 465,890 inhabitants across 29 districts potentially facing water scarcity. In total, 622,301 people in eight departments are at very high risk of drought due to El Niño's impact.

Cenepred continuously updates these evaluations based on new scientific reports and provides technical assistance to regional and local governments. This support is crucial for developing effective prevention plans, risk reduction strategies, and community education programs to prepare for potential emergencies.