Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on Monday traveled to northern La Libertad region to inaugurate a modular bridge and supervise emergency response actions in rain-hit areas.
The Head of State launched Viru Modular Bridge, a 112-meter structure located at km 515 of Panamericana Norte Highway.
The bridge will replace the old concrete one that collapsed on March 18 due to Viru River's rising levels.
The Andean country is currently at the mercy of "Coastal El Niño" phenomenon characterized by heavy rains, landslides and floods that have destroyed infrastructure and crops, as well as left many citizens homeless.
"We are heading to Trujillo to oversee the opening of Viru Bridge […], a paramount intersection in Panamericana Norte [Highway]," he said before boarding a plane to the northern city.
With a 58-ton weight limit, the two-lane structure required an investment of S/8.69 million (about US$2.67 million) and was built in record time to address the emergency.
"Then, we will visit San Idelfonso Stream, which flooded the Main Square and poses great danger to the city. We need to find a way to divert this and other streams […] flowing down to the town," he explained.
Later today, the statesman will supervise the delivery of stoves, gas tanks and other utensils to more than 250 mothers in charge of Trujillo's communal kitchens.
Donations will be used to prepare free lunches for victims from emergency areas.
Over 9,000 gas tanks donated by private enterprises will be distributed among 286 communal kitchens, thus benefiting 30,000 people.
Mr. Kuczynski is joined by Prime Minister Fernando Zavala and Transport-Communications Minister Martin Vizcarra.
<