# Water scarcity and weather risks in Peru

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-scarcity-and-deficit-in-peru
> Updated: 2026-09-27T18:32:36.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 2.

Authorities in the Cusco and Puno regions of Peru continue to address critical water shortages and scarcity risks.

In Cusco, officials are evaluating the effectiveness of a 60-day state of emergency regarding water deficits. The National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) and the regional government are reviewing municipal progress, noting that some local authorities have failed to complete required information in the National Information System for Response and Rehabilitation (SINPAD). Officials are determining whether to extend the emergency declaration.

In Puno, the Regional Office of Disaster Risk Management and Security has warned of impending scarcity due to projected decreases in rainfall. Forecasts suggest precipitation levels for the first quarter of the year may fall below expectations, threatening water availability and livestock activities. While roughly 50% of municipalities are taking action, officials have criticized the other half for a lack of preventive measures. The Achaya district, along with sectors in Lampa, Azángaro, and San Román, has been identified as particularly vulnerable due to soil conditions that allow for rapid water filtration.

Recent developments indicate that authorities are also managing the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. In the Tumbes and Piura regions, moderate rainfall has caused flooding in areas such as Máncora, disrupting traffic on the Panamericana Norte. The National Water Authority (ANA) is monitoring river levels and conducting preventive works. In Puno, health specialists are also addressing the mental health implications of these recurring natural disasters to help populations cope with uncertainty and fear.

Updated forecasts from Senamhi indicate higher than normal temperatures for the spring season in Ica, Huancavelica, and Ayacucho. In Puno, authorities have added concerns regarding forest fires to the looming water scarcity crisis. Additionally, a cold spell (friaje) is expected to bring heavy rains to ten jungle regions between late September and early October.

## Claims

- Puno faces a potential water scarcity crisis due to decreasing rainfall. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The National Water Authority (ANA) reports the Tumbes River flow is currently below the yellow alert level. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Senamhi predicts higher than normal maximum and minimum temperatures in the western highlands of Huancavelica and Ayacucho, as well as on the Ica coast. (single source)
- Senamhi expects rainfall in Tumbes to reach approximately 20 mm per day. (single source)
- A cold spell (friaje) is expected to cause moderate to heavy rainfall in ten Peruvian jungle regions. (single source)
- SENAPRED canceled the Red Alert for the Valdivia province in Chile. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: South American regions brace for extreme weather and El Niño

South American nations are bracing for extreme weather, including a potentially record-breaking El Niño in Argentina, forest fire risks in Chile and Peru, and unseasonable temperature shifts across the region.

34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puno-warns-of-water-scarcity-due-to-low-rainfall

### 2026-09-08: Cusco authorities evaluate water deficit emergency response

INDECI and the Cusco Regional Government will evaluate municipal responses to water shortages as the current state of emergency regarding water deficits is set to expire in 12 days.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cusco-authorities-evaluate-water-deficit-emergency-response

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Cite as: Water scarcity and weather risks in Peru. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-scarcity-and-deficit-in-peru