Officials in Peru recovered the bodies of a father and son who were killed when heavy rainfall triggered deadly mudslides in the southern region. The severe weather has impacted approximately 5,500 homes and forced widespread evacuations across southern provinces.
LIMA, Peru (AP) — Officials in Peru announced Monday the recovery of two bodies – a father and his son – who perished when heavy rainfall in the nation’s southern region caused deadly mudslides that have impacted approximately 5,500 residences and prompted mass evacuations.
The tragic deaths occurred when the pair were caught in a landslide within Arequipa city, in an area where houses were constructed directly on top of a historic natural waterway. Experts note these residences sit on a route that has channeled rushing water for hundreds of years whenever intense rainfall occurs.
Local officials in Arequipa are urging the nation’s interim president to issue an emergency declaration for their region. Regional Governor Dr. Rohel Sánchez Sánchez has announced the establishment of numerous emergency shelters throughout the Arequipa area. He also reported that both the National Institute of Civil Defense and Arequipa’s regional administration have begun distributing emergency supplies including food and temporary housing.
Weather experts attribute the recent weeks of torrential downpours to the El Niño Costero weather pattern.
Officials report that Pacific Ocean temperatures are rising, with El Niño Costero projected to intensify somewhat during March. The elevated ocean temperatures create higher evaporation levels and severe precipitation, along with swollen river systems.
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