· ·

Persistent heavy rains trigger flooding and landslides, affecting more than 3 000 homes in Peru

peru-flood-landslide-march-2021

Heavy rains have caused flooding and landslides in northern Peru over the past few days, affecting as many as 3 000 homes.  Around 160 mm (6.2 inches) of rain fell in a 24-hour period in Yurimaguas, capital of Alto Amazonas Province in Loreto Region, which is more than half the city's March average rainfall of 257 mm (10.1 inches).

Torrential rains caused flooding and landslides in the northern region, flooding as many as 3 000 homes.

In Yurmaguas, around 160 mm (6.2 inches) of rain fell in a 24-hour period to March 20 but much of the total fell in a three-hour period. Several areas of the city were submerged in 2 m (6.5 feet) of floodwater. About seven districts in the city were flooded, particularly around Yurimaguas Airport.

Parts of the San Martin region were also inundated.

According to disaster authorities, around 20 homes were damaged or destroyed in Rioja, prompting more than 30 people to evacuate between March 16 and 21. Meanwhile, around 400 people were impacted in Moyobamba from March 21.

As of March 22, people in Yorongos were left isolated after a road collapsed on the Rioja highway. 

YouTube video

YouTube video

In Amazonas, heavy rains caused a landslide in Bagua Grande, Utcubamba Province, on March 17, leaving at least seven homes damaged and 28 people affected. A landslide also hit the district of Corosha in Bongara Province, damaging 10 homes and displacing six people.

Another landslide struck at the district of Camporredondo, Luya Province, on March 18, leaving five homes uninhabitable and five families displaced.

In Cajamarca, a mudslide hit the Chirinos area, San Ignacio Province, on March 16, damaging 20 homes. On the same day, a landslide damaged five homes, roads, and infrastructure in Jorge Chaves, Celendin Province.

YouTube video

Heavy rains also caused the Chililique canal to overflow on March 21, sending floodwaters to 15 homes in Jaen District, which affected about 45 people.

In the same period, the Monzon River overflowed in Monzon District, while a landslide affected 10 people.

Featured image credit: Good morning Peru/YouTube

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *