The President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, on Friday called on all citizens and authorities at every level of government to unite in addressing the impact of El Niño.
During an inspection visit to river-clearing and desilting works on the Piura River, the Head of State underscored the importance of coordination among the different levels of government, the Armed Forces, and the private sector in response to the climate event.
"The only way we will be able to move forward and face this climate phenomenon, which, as we have seen in images from other countries and parts of the world, is of enormous magnitude, is by working together," the Fujimori stated.
The top official noted that the works carried out at Los Ejidos–Bolognesi Bridge involved 20-hour workdays, with the participation of the Agrarian Development and Irrigation Ministry, the Peruvian Army, the regional government, the provincial municipality, and the Romero Foundation.
These efforts made it possible to achieve a hydraulic capacity of 4,000 cubic meters per second in stages 1 and 2.
The President also reported that heavy machinery will be immediately transferred to the Bajo Piura area to focus efforts on draining the Chutuque spillway and the Loco River in preparation for forecasts of a major climate event.
"We have indicated that the indicators and statistics point to a major El Niño event, one unlike anything we have seen in recent decades," Fujimori said.
"Therefore, I urge all citizens to collaborate by preparing their homes, identifying which route to take if they need to evacuate, keeping their rivers clean, not dumping garbage, and staying informed through reliable institutions that provide accurate information," she pointed out.
The Head of State said she will continue overseeing preventive works ahead of the climate event in La Libertad region, including an aerial inspection to assess progress at the San Ildefonso and San Carlos ravines.
Ministers Marco Vinelli (Agrarian Development and Irrigation) and Rafael Belaunde (Defense) are accompanying the President on her visit to northern Peru.