Peru: Floods and Landslides - Feb 2026

Since 23 February, Peru (particularly the southern provinces of Arequipa and Ica, as well as Piura and Tumbes in the northwest) has been battered by heavy rains, triggering deadly floods and landslides. As of 24 February, media reports confirm at least four fatalities: two in a landslide in Arequipa, one in flash floods in Cayma District, and one struck by lightning in Uchumayo. Many have been evacuated, with over 5,500 people affected, while homes, roads, and bridges have suffered damage, disrupting essential services. Authorities have declared more than 700 districts in a state of emergency, and rescue efforts were further devastated when a military helicopter crashed during operations, killing 15. Forecasts warn of continued moderate to heavy rainfall across Peru in the next 48 hours. (ECHO, 24 Feb 2026)

Peruvian press reports 52 people dead and 85,000 people impacted by heavy rains, floods and landslides, since the beginning of the year. Access to 8 sponsored communities in Piura, where 1,000 sponsored families reside, has been compromised by heavy rainfall. 21 districts have been declared in emergency due to heavy rainfall, floods and landslides, and 941 have been declared in emergency due to imminent danger caused by the “Niño Costero” phenomenon. (Plan International, 3 Mar 2026.)

Since January 2026, various parts of Peru have been battered by intense rains linked to the coastal El Niño, sparking extensive flooding, landslides, and river overflows, resulting in fatalities and damage. UN OCHA reports that, as of 17 March, the death toll has climbed to 92, with more than 23 000 people displaced across the Andean, Amazonian, and northern coastal regions. The National El Niño Commission continues to keep the El Niño Costero alert in force. (ECHO, 24 Mar 2026)