Peru: President Fujimori announces key Government measures against El Niño phenomenon

Speaking from the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) in Lima on Thursday evening, the top official said the climate phenomenon "will be truly dramatic for our country."

The Head of State reported that sea temperatures had risen by five degrees, above normal.

In this regard, the President stated that she will directly support response and assistance efforts should an emergency arise.

Those present at the event included Cabinet Chief Luis Galarreta, as well as Ministers Rafael Belaunde (Defense) and Jose Tangherlini (Transportation and Communications).

Protecting the population Is the priority

During her remarks, the President said the government measures currently underway aim to reduce risks in vulnerable areas identified nationwide, prioritizing the protection of people in the event of potential emergencies.

"We have identified 1,800 risk areas and prioritized 536. Infrastructure may collapse, but it can be repaired. A farm may be flooded, but it can be restored. However, what we must protect and prioritize is human life," Fujimori emphasized.

The Head of State noted that the works are ongoing.

Fujimori added that authorities will continue to oversee progress on the measures being implemented in the regions most exposed to the phenomenon.

"That is why we are making every effort and working 24 hours a day," she pointed out.

The President reported significant progress in preventive efforts at various critical locations across the country.

"I can tell you that we have already made 70% progress across these 536 sites," she stressed.

The Head of State explained that the work includes clearing and desilting the main waterways.

"The Tumbes River is being cleared at full speed. We have almost completed the work on the Piura River. In Lambayeque, with the support of the regional governor, work is underway on La Leche and Reque Rivers," she said.

"Tomorrow (on Friday), we will travel to Piura to jointly inspect progress on work along the Piura River. We will also visit La Libertad to review the definitive solution project for the San Carlos and San Ildefonso ravines," Fujimori announced.

"In Ancash (region), work is underway in Huarmey and Lacramarca. In Lima, with support from the Lima Regional Government and the Municipality, the Chillon, Rimac, and Lurin Rivers are being cleared," she added.

State deploys resources for emergencies

The President highlighted that the Peruvian State's response involves coordinated efforts by various sectors and ministries to assist the population in the event of an emergency.

In this regard, the Head of State announced the construction of temporary shelters in vulnerable regions.

"Shelters will be built to accommodate 30,000 people in the various vulnerable regions," Fujimori said.

Likewise, the top official indicated that field hospitals had already been deployed to the areas most exposed to the phenomenon.

"We will have field hospitals that have already been deployed in Tumbes, Piura, and Lambayeque," she noted.

The top official highlighted the availability of logistical resources for emergency response, including boats, helicopters, and modular bridges.

"We have five Peruvian Navy vessels available," Fujimori underscored.

Furthermore, the President mentioned that there are "22 operational helicopters, and by January next year we will have 33."

Moreover, the Head of State reported that bridges had been allocated to strengthen connectivity in vulnerable areas.

"We have sent 20 bridges to the north of the country and four to the south," she indicated.

Executive Branch strengthens budget

The President stressed that the Government is adopting regulatory and budgetary measures to ensure a timely response to the effects of El Niño.

The Head of State recalled that 22 supreme and emergency decrees had been approved, noting that 14 of them allocate S/2 billion (about US$582.4 million).

The top official reported that the State has humanitarian aid reserves to assist the affected population.

"We currently have 5,600 tons of supplies, including 1,500 tons of food and water, along with 4,100 tons of nonperishable items," Fujimori said.

Call for national unity

At another point, the President urged citizens and public and private institutions to prepare for the forecast scenario and work together.

"I also want to tell you that the Government cannot do this alone. We need everyone to stand united here," she emphasized.

The Head of State urged the public to maintain evacuation procedures and contingency plans.

"Those living in vulnerable areas should have an evacuation plan and an emergency backpack ready in case the rains arrive," she indicated.

The top official urged public and private institutions to develop emergency response protocols.

"I also ask them to draw up a protocol and an action plan," Fujimori said.

Moreover, she called on the business sector to join the national effort and extended the appeal to political actors.

"To politicians, I say: let us set aside our political differences because the emergency will be very serious, and people need us all to stand united," she stated.

International cooperation and contingency fund

The President reported that several countries have expressed their willingness to help Peru address the potential impact of El Niño.

"The U.S. Government is sending its hospital ship, the Comfort, which we expect to arrive between January and February. It has more than 1,000 beds," Fujimori pointed out.

"The Government of Japan has indicated that it is sending machinery," while "the Government of China is also coordinating efforts to support our country," she said.

Finally, the top official noted that the Executive Branch is strengthening the State's financial capacity to respond to the emergency.

"The Contingency Fund has been planned, and although we had received only S/800 million (about US$232 million), we expect to have S/10 billion (about US$2.912 billion) by January next year," she explained.