El Niño phenomenon causes floods and record heat in Peru

The El Niño phenomenon is driving extreme weather across Peru, characterized by severe flooding in the north and record-breaking temperatures in the capital. In the northern regions of Piura and Tumbes, torrential rains have caused significant flooding, particularly in the city of Piura and surrounding areas. The Peruvian Army has deployed water transfer pumps in urban areas like Ignacio Merino and El Chilcal to evacuate accumulated water into the Piura River drainage systems.

The National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) has reported damage to infrastructure, including three educational institutions in the districts of Piura, Cura Mori, and Catacaos. Authorities have issued critical alerts regarding the potential activation of dry riverbeds and ravines in the provinces of Ayabaca, Huancabamba, and Morropón.

Simultaneously, the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) has warned of a massive heatwave in Lima. Due to ocean warming linked to coastal El Niño, temperatures in the capital are expected to surpass the previous record of 35.4°C set in 1998. Meteorologists note that sea temperatures are rising up to six degrees above normal, contributing to intense heat and high humidity levels across the country.