reported Friday morning that an air bridge has been launched to evacuate people stranded along the Southern Pan-American Highway's Ocoña-Atico stretch in Arequipa, which has been affected by recent mudslides and landslides.
The operation is being carried out by the Southern Operational Command and involves the transportation of around 300 people registered for evacuation.
"I am in Ocoña. We have already completed the first airlift, and we have boarded a group of 20 people. It is a flight from Ocoña to Atico; in Atico we will pick up another group. So, on each round trip, we are evacuating 40 people. There are 300 registered people to be evacuated," he told RPP Noticias.
The government official said the first flight between Ocoña and Atico has already taken place, initially transporting 20 people.
He specified that each round trip will allow around 40 people to be evacuated.
The Defense sector's head explained that the Army's progress will gradually allow trucks to reach the affected areas as the road is cleared.
"There are stranded trucks that are hindering the deployment of machinery. There are 139 personnel who must clear the accumulated mud so that they can begin to move," he stated.
The Cabinet member estimated that "the problem should be resolved between Saturday and Sunday."
Southern Pan-American Highway
Since August 16, various sections of the Southern Pan-American Highway have been affected by mudslides and landslides involving mud and rocks due to rainfall.
The most critical situation was reported between kilometers 720 and 735 along the Ocoña-Atico stretch, resulting in the suspension of traffic.
The Defense Minister traveled to Arequipa to address the emergency.
He also said President Keiko Fujimori will arrive in the area to assess the situation and oversee the operation of the air bridge.