Peru's Geological, Mining, and Metallurgical Institute (Ingemmet) on Wednesday reported that there are 361 critical areas in Lima region that could be activated after the occurrence of unusual rainfall, according to its inventory of geological hazards.
Said areas are located within the Inocentes, Rio Seco, Media Luna, Malanche, and Cruz de Hueso ravines, as well as near the Chillon and Rimac Rivers, among other places.
However, according to Ingemmet's geological inventory, there are 2,184 areas at risk of debris flows, landslides, rockfalls, slope erosion, among others.
The presence of unusual rains increases the risk of occurrence of these events in the aforementioned critical areas, which means towns and infrastructure works may be exposed to dangerous conditions.
Information is available
Therefore, it is imperative that local and regional authorities take into account the recommendations made by Ingemmet in its disaster risk management plans.
In the context of Law 29664, which created the National Disaster Risk Management System (Sinagerd), Ingemmet plays a technical role and conducts research that can be found in technical papers, reports, and bulletins.
The information is freely available to researchers, authorities, and the general public through the Geocatmin and 'Peru on Alert' platforms.
What is a landslide and slippage of earth?
Two of the most common geological hazards in our country are landslides and slippage of earth. What are they caused by?
According to the
National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci), a
landslide is a type of alluvium of light to moderate magnitude, which frequently occurs in hydrographic basins, mostly during the rainy season.
On the other hand, a slippage of earth is the rupture and displacement of small or large masses of earth, rocks, artificial landfills, or combinations thereof, in a natural or artificial slope.
(END) JOT/RMB/MVB
Published: 3/22/2023