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:
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:
Google Earth
Dave Petley is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull in the United Kingdom. His blog provides commentary and analysis of landslide events occurring worldwide, including the landslides themselves, latest research, and conferences and meetings.
On July 4th 2015 the Peruvian Government has declared Emergency State on 14 regions of the country due the confirmed forecasts and studies about El Niño climatic disorder that threads to reach very high levels of intensity comparable with the 1997 – 1998 El Niño event. Very heavy rains, floods and mudslides (huaycos in local language) are expected to happen all over the country combined with other disastrous phenomena. Prevention measures are in progress to avoid massive damages. Help is needed.
http://unidad4x4ayudaemergenciasperu.blogspot.com/2015/07/decreto-supremo-declara-el-estado-de.html