Defense Minister Jorge Chavez on Sunday affirmed that actions are being taken to be prepared for the occurrence of a weak coastal El Niño across the country at the three levels of governments.
According to the government official, heavy rains are expected until May, as a consequence of this weather event, with this being the first scenario in which —he said— it is appropriate to be prepared and respond.
Chavez underscored that the second scenario will be after the rains, since all necessary measures must be taken to be able to face a global El Niño, which could occur as of January 2024.
"All the actions they are taking right now are precisely intended to face these two scenarios," the minister told TV Peru.
"The aid not only includes tools and non-food humanitarian aid goods, but complements everything we have in our warehouses and everything that has already been delivered," the high-ranking official remarked.
The Defense sector's head noted that, within the framework of the level 5 state of emergency declaration in Piura —which also includes Tumbes and Lambayeque— all the capacities are being made available so that the National Government, through the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci), can manage the emergency together with the regional governor.
Level 5 of the state of emergency is declared when the impact, magnitude, and circumstances of disasters exceed or may exceed the response capacity of the State and country.
(END) MRCA/RMCH/RMB
Published: 3/26/2023