16:00 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Aug. 21.
The
President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, on Friday oversaw the air bridge operation implemented to transport more than 165 people who had been stranded between the districts of Atico and Ocoña, in the Arequipa region due to landslides that have disrupted ground traffic in the area.
Accompanied by Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde, the Head of State monitored the operation.
It is being carried out with the support of three helicopters from the Peruvian Air Force and Army Aviation.
Approximately 25 people are transported on each flight so that they can continue their journey and reach their destinations.
The top official said she remains in contact with the authorities responsible for the operations to receive updates on the road's condition and the progress of the work underway.
"I have spoken with the Army general. Landslides are still occurring, which is why the road has not yet been reopened. We estimate that it will take another one or two days," Fujimori stated.
"That is why we are grateful to both the Air Force and Army Aviation, which are supporting the operation with three helicopters to establish this air bridge," she added.
Likewise, the President referred to measures ordered to expand transportation options for affected people.
"The Mollendo Port Captaincy has arranged a vessel to transport Peruvians stranded in the Atico district. There will be transportation by vessel as well," Fujimori reported.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces personnel are involved in cleanup works on the affected areas, while the State-run Special National Transportation Infrastructure Project (Provias) has machinery deployed to restore passability.
Private-sector support with machinery is also contributing to these efforts.
"What is important is that we are managing to operate this air bridge so that people can reach their final destinations," she emphasized.
Moreover, the Head of State recognized the coordinated efforts of the institutions responding to the emergency.
"I want to thank the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) and all members of the Armed Forces, each of whom is working from their respective positions," she expressed.
During her visit, local residents recalled and highlighted the presence of former President Alberto Fujimori in the area three decades ago, as well as the projects carried out during his administration.
"Thank you for this embrace. I was told that my father was here 30 years ago and built the landing facility and the school, and that the first ambulance also arrived afterward. We know that no other presidents have come since then," she said.
LPG supply
At another point, President Fujimori reported on the actions taken by her administration in response to problems with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply in Arequipa region.
"I have been discussing the LPG shortage, and a ministerial resolution has been issued that should be published in a special edition of (the Official Gazette) El Peruano in the coming hours," she announced.
The Head of State explained that this provision will allow extraordinary measures to be adopted to facilitate the distribution and sale of this fuel in the Arequipa region and help ensure that it reaches consumers in a timely manner.
"The Supervisory Agency for Investment in Energy and Mining (Osinergmin) will be able to adopt measures to facilitate the distribution and sale of the fuel so that it reaches final consumers," she pointed out.
During her tour of the area, the top official visited the settlements of La Planchada and Pescadores, in Ocoña district, to continue overseeing the actions underway.
In both locations, she received expressions of gratitude from local residents and heard their main concerns.
(END) NDP/JCC/MVB
Published: 8/21/2026