on Friday called on the population and authorities nationwide to always be prepared to respond to the possibility of a high-magnitude earthquake.
Likewise, the Head of State urged students and teachers at schools to know what to do and where to go.
The President highlighted citizens' involvement in this drill, which was carried out in the capital and in various regions across the country.
"My first recommendation is to always be prepared. An earthquake, a major earthquake, never gives any warning. I believe it is essential to have a backpack with basic supplies, as well as for students and teachers at schools to know exactly what to do if an earthquake occurs, where to go, and where to regroup," she said.
The Head of State reiterated that "we must always be prepared" for the risk of natural disasters, noting that civil defense "is everyone's task."
Furthermore, the top official congratulated all citizens nationwide who participated in the latest drill.
In this regard, she noted that two provinces in Junin region (Huancayo and Chupaca) were recently affected by earthquakes, as were countries in South America (Colombia and Venezuela) that experienced major seismic events.
Moreover, the President praised the National Civil Defense Institute (INDECI) for organizing this nationwide multi-hazard drill.
She thanked the Armed Forces, the National Police, the Fire Department, regional governments, and municipalities for their participation, including the Municipality of Lima and its Mayor Renzo Reggiardo, who was present during the exercise.
"Reports" from regions
As part of the National Multi-Hazard Drill, the President visited the mobile command post set up at Lima's Main Square.
There, the Head of State received reports from various regions on the "damage" that an 8.8-magnitude earthquake would cause.
According to these hypothetical reports, a high-intensity earthquake would cause thousands of deaths and injuries in Peru, leaving millions of people homeless or otherwise affected.
It would also damage hundreds of thousands of homes and much of the country's vital infrastructure, including healthcare facilities and schools.
Faced with this possible scenario, the top official stressed the need to remain prepared to respond to earthquakes of varying magnitudes.
The Second 2026 National Multi-Hazard Drill aimed to strengthen public preparedness to face multiple hazards, including a potential magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Lima and Callao.
During her participation in the exercise, the Head of State was initially accompanied by Prime Minister Luis Galarreta and later by Lima Mayor Renzo Reggiardo.