Compared to other previous similar episodes, Peru is now 'better prepared' to face an eventual El Niño climate phenomenon due to previously-planned projects currently under execution, Peruvian Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Juan Manuel Benites affirmed.
According to the head of the portfolio, a US$62.5 million budget could be set aside for lending support to tackle the impacts in Northern Peru's several critical points. Later, other US$43.75 million will be allocated for further priorities in diverse regions.
"Currently, Peru is better prepared compared to other previous editions. We have infrastructure. Projects have been executed in advance. Thanks to the [passed] bill Nr. 30191, nearly US$937 million have been allocated for prevention efforts against El Niño [...]", the Minister specified.
Likewise, he added that projects executed in Northern regions Tumbes, Piura and Lambayeque will be completed by the end of September.
Peru has withdrawn as host of the upcoming 2015 Dakar Series and 2016 Dakar Rally competitions due to concerns about the weather phenomenon in the country. In this sense, resources could be used on preventive actions, he indicated.
(END) JCR/HMC/MVB