Peru steps up coastal flood defenses as El Niño threatens heavy rains

The mayor of Chiclayo, Janet Cubas Carranza, announced that more than 140 critical points have been identified across the Lambayeque region for flood‑risk mitigation ahead of the anticipated coastal El Niño. Technical sheets will be submitted to the national government to secure budget for preventive actions, with coordination among the municipality’s 19 districts to prioritize the most vulnerable zones affecting over 57,000 residents, thousands of homes, schools, health centers, agricultural lands and infrastructure.

In the neighboring La Libertad region, the Contraloría General launched an audit of river‑clearing works at 103 high‑risk sites, including the Virú and Moche rivers. The review found low execution of allocated preventive budgets in many local entities and urged corrective measures to ensure effective descolmatación before the expected rains. Both initiatives form part of a broader national effort to manage the El Niño threat and protect Peru’s coastal populations and key agricultural and fishery sectors.