Peru: Government has US$535 million-plus for El Niño prevention works

Photo: Agro Rural

Photo: Agro Rural

11:10 | Lima, Sep. 17.

The Executive Branch has more than S/1.8 billion (above US$535 million) at its disposal to carry out prevention works in response to El Niño phenomenon, Agrarian Development and Irrigation Minister Marco Vinelli revealed on Thursday.

"What we are doing now is preparing for the possible arrival of heavy rains along the coast and for water shortages or drought in the Andean-Amazonian region," Vinelli said in remarks to RPP.

The government official indicated that the resources will be allocated mainly to desilting and river-cleaning works along the coast to prevent damage when river flows increase.

Meanwhile, in the Andean-Amazonian region, the purchase of food, vitamins, and vaccines, as well as the construction of water wells, is planned in response to a possible shortage of water resources.

Budget allocation

"This budget has been distributed among the Ministries of Defense, Agriculture, Housing, Transportation, Culture, and others that are carrying out these preparedness actions to be able to address El Niño phenomenon," Vinelli said.

In this regard, the Cabinet member called on Congress to expedite the approval of legislative powers so that the sectors can carry out not only preventive actions but also rapid mitigation measures.

We want to change the law

"We want to change the law so that assistance can be provided from day one and there is no need to wait for regional or local governments," Vinelli stated.

"The decisions being made are coordinated with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. I assure you that things are changing for the benefit of all Peruvians," he pointed out.

(END) GDS/MVB

Publicado: 17/9/2026