26 March 2015

Peru declares a state of emergency over landslides

Posted by Dave Petley

State of emergency in Peru

Andina, a Peruvian news agency, is reporting that Peru has declared a state of emergency over a series of landslides that have occurred in the Lurigancho-Chosica district over the last few days:

“The Government of Peru has declared a 60-day Emergency in the district of Lurigancho-Chosica, following extreme infrastructure destruction caused by severe landslides over the past hours.  The emergency declaration is aimed at implementing immediate, necessary measures to respond and restore the areas affected by landslides of mud and rock. Announced by President Ollanta Humala, the initiative followed the formation of Pedregal, Carossio, Rayos de Sol, Quirio, San Antonio, California, La Trinchera, Buenos Aires, La Cantuna, Moyopampa, La Libertad and Mariscal Castilla ravines, located in the said district.  According to a supreme decree, published today in the official gazette El Peruano, the adoption of such urgent measures will allow Lima and Lurigancho-Chosica Municipalities to execute response and rehabilitation actions in coordination with the National Institute for Civil Defense (Indeci) and various ministries.  Actions include the restoration of basic services and reconstruction of infrastructure, and can be modified in accordance with the needs and security requirements that might arise during the execution.”

The news item is accompanied by an aerial photograph that appears to show very high levels of damage caused by a debris flow:

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Telesur has a gallery of images on the ground, which includes this one:

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The largest event appears to have occurred in Chosica itself, where a landslide killed at least eight people, left more missing and blocked the Central Highway.  Reports as to the length of the closure of the road vary between five and 30 days (the latter sounds very pessimistic to me though), driving concerns that fruit prices will soar in Lima.

This is Google Earth image of Chosica:

Peru

Google Earth

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This is one of the ravines named in the declaration of the State of emergency.  The extreme vulnerability of the houses to debris flows is clear:

Peru

Google Earth