Peru regions advance school year end due to El Niño risks

Educational authorities in the Peruvian regions of Ancash and La Libertad have announced early conclusions to the 2026 school year as a preventive measure against heavy rains associated with the El Niño phenomenon.

In Ancash, the Regional Education Directorate (DREA) has set December 4 as the final day of classes for both public and private institutions. To ensure the required number of teaching hours is met, the DREA will suspend the management week scheduled for October and utilize the October 8 holiday as a school day. Officials noted that 39 schools are at very high risk, while over 1,000 others face medium risk levels.

In La Libertad, the Regional Education Management (GRE) has scheduled the end of academic activities for December 2, 2026. This decision affects approximately 535,863 students across 15 local education management units (UGEL) and covers various educational modalities, including regular, alternative, and special education. The measure follows a national state of emergency declared due to El Niño.