Attachments
Situation Overview
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Heavy rains caused landslides and river flooding currently affecting 20 of the 24 regions of Peru. 1,771 emergency events reported at the national level (National Information System for Response and Rehabilitation - SINPAD, 2025). The higher-than-average levels increase the risk of disasters, including landslides and flooding. As of February 20, a state of emergency has been declared in 157 districts in 20 regions (Supreme Decree Nº021-2025-PCM) due to widespread damage. Huancavelica, in the Andes, is currently the most affected region, while the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (SENAMHI) warns of worsening conditions throughout the Andes in the coming days.
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As of February 17th, official data from the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) reports more than 57 thousand people affected by heavy rainfall and its consequences, including 7 deaths. According to UNICEF’s estimates, around 17 thousand are children. More than 27,000 houses, 79 classrooms, and 14 health centres have been damaged or destroyed. Additionally, over 1 million meters of urban and local roads and more than 200 bridges have been affected or destroyed.
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Communities affected by these disasters not only suffer due to loss of human lives and the destruction of homes but also face the interruption of basic services such as running water and electricity. Furthermore, due to the damage or destruction of roads, transportation and communication are limited. Families whose livelihoods depend on agriculture are also at risk of food insecurity due to crops being affected by high levels of rainfall and floods. With the start of classes approaching, access to education for children and adolescents will depend on weather conditions and the impact in the most affected areas. Additionally, the airport in Arequipa has been closed for 12 days due to severe weather.
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INDECI has been coordinating with all levels of government for fast response in affected and at-risk areas. Following the Situation of Emergency Declaration, the national government has established a series of essential goods that will be delivered such as medicines, sunblock, vaccines, medical supplies, food, beverage and clothing.
Additionally, it has mobilized more than 480 troops, 116 rapid intervention companies, and 600 heavy machineries to impacted areas.
SITUATION IN NUMBERS
57, 225 people affected by heavy rainfall, landslides and floods
17, 167 estimated number of children affected by heavy rainfall, landslides and floods (~30% of people affected)
27, 486 houses destroyed or damaged by heavy rainfall, landslides and floods
79 classrooms destroyed or damaged by heavy rainfall, landslides and floods
Needs Assessment, Response and Coordination Actions
In response, the government has issued the Supreme Decree No. 021-2025-PCM, declaring a Situation of Emergency in 20 regions – 157 districts – in Peru. The Decree establishes that among the essential goods that will be provided for donation to the affected areas are medication, sunscreen, vaccines, medical and related equipment, insect repellent, food, beverage, clothing, among others.
Additionally, to mitigate the impacts of rainfall and the subsequent natural disasters, the government has mobilized more than 480 troops and 116 rapid intervention companies in various areas of the country. Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport and Communications has arranged more than 600 heavy machineries to intervene in the most affected regions and guarantee that the main communication routes remain operational.
INDECI has urged local authorities to review evacuation routes, as well as guarantee the operation of health centers, police stations and fire companies to face any emergency. In addition, the population has been recommended to reinforce the roofs of their homes, establish early warning systems such as whistles, bells, alarms or sirens, and prepare a Family Emergency Plan following INDECI’s guidelines.
The UNICEF country office and its territorial offices are monitoring the emergencies nationwide with INDECI and sub national governments. UNICEF has also activated key messaging to protect the rights of children during crisis.