LOCATION: Peru (Affected Regions Listed Below)
EVENT:
The Government of Peru announced multiple 60-day States of Emergency between February 10 and 15 for various regions throughout Peru, due to damage caused by recent heavy rainfall, particularly in remote mountainous areas. As a result of heavy rains, there exists the potential for landslides, flash floods, riverbank erosion, bridge washouts, and property damage. Roads, including major highways, may suddenly close and stay closed for indefinite periods of time, particularly in remote regions. Travel may be affected throughout the rainy season, which usually ends around March 31.
Individuals living in or traveling through areas prone to flooding are urged to take preventive actions, stay away from streams and rivers, reconsider crossing through standing bodies of water of unknown depth, and be attentive to the recommendations of local authorities.
Prior to traveling to tourist destinations in remote regions, travelers are advised to check with iPeru, the Peruvian traveler’s aid service, ahead of time to determine whether attractions are open (https://www.peru.travel/en/useful-data/iperu). Monitor information from local media and government agencies, including iPeru, PROMPERU, COEN, and SENAMHI.
· WhatsApp: iPeru 944-492-314
· X (formerly Twitter) for Peruvian government sources: @Promperu, @COENPeru, @SENAMHIPeru
Regions identified under the State of Emergency include:
Region/Province/District:
Madre de Dios/Manu/Manu and Fitzcarrald
Region/Province/District:
Lima/Canta and Yauyos/Lachaqui and Huancaya, Putinza, Tupe
Region/Province/District:
Arequipa/Castilla and Condesuyos
Region/Province/District:
Ancash and Huanuco
Region/Province/District:
Cusco/Anta/Limatambo
· Local authorities recommend not using the Amazon Route to Machu Picchu (Cusco – Santa Maria – Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Machu Picchu) during the rainy season due to landslides which in the past have caused fatal accidents.
· For the next 4 weeks, the Sisal and Rio Blanco bridges of the Puente Cunyac section (via Cusco – Abancay) are closed for vehicle crossing.
· Currently, alternative routes include:
o Nasca – Puquio – Challhuanca – Abancay – Curahuasi
o Limatambo – Anta – Cusco – Arequipa – Nasca
· Buses operating along the Cusco – Abancay and Cusco – Ayacucho routes are currently requiring passengers to disembark from their bus in the affected area and walk approximately 30 minutes to board another bus to continue their journey.
Actions to Take:
· Avoid the affected areas and routes. Find alternative routes to your destination.
· Monitor local media and government agencies for updates.
· Be aware of your surroundings. Flash floods and mudslides can occur without warning.
· Have an evacuation plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
· Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive alerts and messaging from the U.S. Embassy in Lima.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru:
Avenida La Encalada Cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33, Peru
Telephone (answered 24 hours): +51-1-618-2000
LimaACS@state.gov
https://pe.usembassy.gov
Lima ACS Facebook page
U.S. Consular Agency, Cusco
Avenida El Sol 449 Office #201
Cusco, Peru
Phone: +51 84 231-474
Fax: +51 84 245-102
Email: CuscoACS@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
