Peru faces infrastructure gap ahead of 2026 El Niño phenomenon

Peru faces significant challenges in preparing for the projected 2026 El Niño phenomenon. Currently, only 9 out of 239 planned preventive infrastructure projects have been completed, representing a completion rate of approximately 3.8%. Experts suggest this gap is due to structural deficiencies in public management and execution capacity rather than a lack of budget alone.

In response to these concerns, citizens in Máncora, Talara province, have organized a signature collection campaign to demand concrete prevention measures. The collective ‘Unidos por Máncora’ has submitted a formal dossier to several entities, including the Ombudsman's Office, the Regional Government of Piura, and the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI). The documentation seeks transparency regarding planned actions to mitigate risks from intense rains and other climate-related impacts.