13:25 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Aug. 21.
As of 10:30 a.m. (local time), the
Ministry of Defense had evacuated more than 120 people stranded on the Southern Pan-American Highway between Atico and Ocoña due to landslides reported in the area.
The operation involves three helicopters conducting flights along the Ocoña-Atico route and vice versa, with an approximate capacity of 20 people per trip.
"In the first flight, we transported the most vulnerable people, such as older adults and minors, from Ocoña to Atico," the minister said while overseeing the evacuation efforts, accompanied by National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) Chief Luis Vasquez.
At both locations, Army buses are available to transport evacuees to safe places. Additionally, in the event of flight restrictions due to weather conditions, a maritime bridge has been established using Peruvian Navy patrol boats.
Work continues
The most critical point remains Quebrada Honda, where landslides blocked the highway.
This area is mainly occupied by drivers of trucks, dump trucks, and tractor-trailers who were trapped by the debris.
To clear the road, 269 personnel from the Army's Rapid Intervention Company are carrying out cleanup work.
According to Belaunde, work has progressed in recent hours, and ground teams can now reach the critical point, although drizzle continues to cause new landslides.
The Ministry is also distributing food and water to those affected, while Indeci personnel and medical teams remain deployed in Ocoña and Atico.
Previously, the Cabinet member reported that around 300 people had been registered for evacuation.
Minister Belaunde, accompanied by President Keiko Fujimori, is currently overseeing efforts to clear the area and assist those affected.
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.
(END) NDP/ETA/JCC/MVB
Published: 8/21/2026