Peru declares state of emergency in Ica to combat crime

The Peruvian government has declared a 60-day state of emergency in the districts of Pisco and San Andrés within the Ica region to combat rising crime. This measure suspends certain constitutional rights, including the inviolability of the home and the freedom of assembly. During this period, the National Police will maintain public order with support from the Armed Forces.

In addition to security measures in Ica, similar emergency statuses have been extended to provinces in Tumbes and La Libertad, as well as strategic zones in Lima and Callao. The government plan also includes stricter controls in penitentiaries, involving military surveillance, polygraph tests for custodial staff, and the installation of signal-blocking systems to prevent criminal communications from within prisons.

Separately, discussions regarding regional preparedness in Ica have resurfaced following the memory of the 1998 floods. Authorities have identified 23 critical points for flood risk, specifically near the Grau, Socorro, San Juan, and Los Maestros bridges. While various ministries and the Army are conducting infrastructure works to mitigate these risks, officials continue to monitor vulnerabilities associated with El Niño phenomena.