El Nino weather phenomenon affecting thousands in Peru

Summary

Heavy rains in Peru, triggered by the El Niño weather phenomenon, have caused devastating floods, resulting in at least a dozen deaths and affecting thousands of people. The rains are the heaviest in two decades, leading to overflowing rivers and stranded trucks. The phenomenon has also brought drought to the southern islands, impacting the livelihoods of Peru’s poorest. Despite the challenges, the country is better prepared than before, with towns like Jasika improving flood defenses. However, Peru’s rugged geography has left many isolated, and the weather agency has warned of more rains to come.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ Heavy rain in Peru has led to the deaths of at least a dozen people and affected thousands of others.
• 🌡️ The country is experiencing the heaviest rains and highest temperatures in two decades due to this year's El Nino weather phenomenon.
• 🚚 A lorry driver was rescued from atop his truck as a swollen river threatened to drag him away.
• 🛑 Thousands of passengers and hundreds of trucks carrying fruit and vegetables were stranded as rivers broke their banks along Peru's central highway.
• 🌊 Floods have severely impacted the coastal region, home to three-quarters of Peru's population.
• 📊 El Nino has arrived with a significant impact on temperature and rainfall anomalies, marking the worst conditions in over 20 years.
• 🌊 The El Nino phenomenon, caused by warming sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, has also led to droughts in the southern islands of Peru.
• 🌾 The drought is expected to harm the livelihoods of some of Peru’s poorest citizens.
• 🏘️ Peru is better prepared for these extreme weather conditions compared to past events, with towns like Jasika having flood defenses in place after last year's deadly landslide.
• ⚠️ Peru's weather agency has put the country on alert for even more heavy rains in the coming weeks.

Q & A

What caused the heavy rain in Peru?

The heavy rain in Peru was caused by this year's El Niño weather phenomenon, which has led to the heaviest rains and highest temperatures in two decades.

How many people have been affected by the floods in Peru?

At least a dozen people have died due to the heavy rain and floods, and thousands of others have been seriously affected.

What other weather phenomenon is impacting Peru besides heavy rain?

In addition to the heavy rain, the El Niño phenomenon is also causing drought in the southern islands of Peru, affecting the livelihoods of some of the country's poorest people.

How did the floodwaters impact transportation in Peru?

Floodwaters caused rivers to break their banks, leaving thousands of passengers and hundreds of trucks carrying fruit and vegetables stranded along Peru's central highway.

What actions were taken to help residents in flood-prone areas?

In preparation for the flood, the town of Jasika, located an hour outside Lima, readied flood defenses less than a year after a deadly landslide destroyed homes in the area.

How has Peru’s weather agency responded to the ongoing situation?

Peru's weather agency has issued a countrywide alert for even more heavy rains due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

What is El Niño and how does it impact weather patterns?

El Niño is a climate phenomenon caused by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. It leads to extreme weather patterns, such as heavy rains, higher temperatures, and drought in different regions.

How does the El Niño phenomenon compare to past occurrences in Peru?

The current El Niño phenomenon is one of the strongest in two decades, with the heaviest rains and highest temperatures recorded in over 20 years.

What was the response of people in the town of Jasika to past natural disasters?

People in the town of Jasika, after a deadly landslide less than a year ago, say they are more prepared for future emergencies and are ready to evacuate if necessary.

How are Peru’s authorities responding to the impacts of El Niño?

Peruvian authorities are being urged by locals to take stronger action and show empathy, especially for those most affected by the floods and extreme weather conditions.