Moquegua faces heavy metal contamination and climate emergencies

Moquegua Governor Gilia Gutiérrez Ayala has raised alarms regarding both environmental contamination and climate-related emergencies in the region. Medical evaluations have reportedly confirmed that 80% of the screened population in Moquegua shows traces of heavy metals in their blood, linked to the contamination of the Coralaque River. The Governor attributed this crisis to mining activities and criticized the central government for issuing licenses to companies that impact water sources in Moquegua and Arequipa.

A mitigation plan exceeding 200 million soles has been prepared to address the environmental crisis, including the construction of treatment plants and storage ponds. While Southern Perú has submitted technical files for these works, execution depends on agreements between the Ministry of Energy and Mines and executing entities.

Separately, the region is facing severe weather conditions. Approximately 80 families in the province of Ilo have been affected by adverse weather, including a landslide (huaico) that damaged the Costanera highway. Governor Gutiérrez expressed frustration with the central government, stating that no executive officials have contacted the regional government to coordinate aid or assess the specific needs of the affected populations.