Andina

Peru's President: 2024 National Multi-hazard Drill has been fruitful

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

19:00 | Lima, Aug. 15.

The President of the Republic Dina Boluarte on Thursday stressed that the drill held this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. (local time) was fruitful, adding that it is necessary to continue raising awareness among the population about the importance of such exercises.

Previously, National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) Chief Juan Urcarriegui stated that the report on the activity —where an 8.8-magnitude earthquake was simulated— showed a scenario of more than 83,000 deaths and 4,000,000 people affected, among other impacts.

In this regard, the Head of State pointed out that many times deaths or injuries are not caused by the earthquake itself, but by accidents that occur when people, due to nervous breakdowns, run away.

"We need to strengthen awareness among the population to first maintain calm, ensure our safety, know the evacuation routes, and understand where to gather," she indicated.

Mrs. Boluarte said the Government must also be prepared at hospitals nationwide to attend to a large number of injured citizens, or at morgues in the event of deceased people.

The top official urged Indeci to keep warehouses stocked with water and necessary provisions to ensure food for potential victims, as well as shelter and tents.

"We need to be prepared for a quick response and not wait for our brothers and sisters to be left exposed; Indeci must react as quickly as possible," she indicated.

Moreover, President Boluarte stated that the Defense Ministry, the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy will be on alert to attend to the population as quickly as possible.

"This drill has been fruitful; the next one will be at night, and that is when we need to be more alert, carry flashlights, and other essentials in our emergency backpacks," she noted.

In remarks to reporters, Mrs. Boluarte lamented the simulated number of deaths reported by Indeci.

Similarly, she reminded citizens that an event of this nature might occur at any time. Therefore, it is necessary for citizens to be prepared wherever they are at that time and to take shelter.

(END) MCA/RMCH/MVB

Published: 8/15/2024