Peru announces S/800 million plan and private command for El Niño

The Peruvian government and the private sector are coordinating a multi-pronged response to the El Niño phenomenon. President Keiko Fujimori announced a S/800 million package to address the climate event. Of this, S/450 million is earmarked for intervening in 380 critical points across regions including Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Áncash, Lima, Ica, and Arequipa to build river defenses and clean riverbeds. An additional S/350 million will be used to combat drought and water scarcity.

To support these efforts, a private sector command led by Carlos Neuhaus has been formed. This group includes major business organizations such as the Sociedad Nacional de Industrias (SNI), Confiep, AGAP, and the Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía (SNMPE). The command aims to provide the state with logistics, machinery, and management expertise.

Minister of Economy and Finance Elmer Cuba noted that the government is working to create a unified command between public and private sectors to ensure organized prevention and response. Additionally, the government has authorized transfers of over S/179 million for immediate prevention works, including the installation of dynamic barriers in critical ravines in Lima and Huarochirí to mitigate the impact of landslides and floods.