Andina

Peru's PM: Government reacted immediately to rain emergency

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Peru

16:04 | Lima, Mar. 14.

Prime Minister Alberto Otarola on Tuesday affirmed that the Government reacted immediately by making the appropriate decisions in the face of emergency caused by Cyclone Yaku, which is characterized by heavy rainfall in Peru's northern area.

In this sense, the high-ranking official reminded citizens that the President of the Republic Dina Boluarte had announced the provision of a government grant (each worth S/500 = US$132) over a period of two years for those who lost their homes during the rain emergency —a decision "that seeks to mitigate the impact of this misfortune which hit thousands of families."

"The Government has reacted immediately. We are making the right decisions, and I think we are well organized to deal with this misfortune, which has also been caused by a cyclone (Yaku) that nobody had expected," he expressed.

Otarola visited the Superintendence of Ground Transportation of People, Cargo, and Goods (Sutran) headquarters, where he was informed about the situational status of roads nationwide.

Within this framework, he explained that this emergency should oblige all Peruvians to reflect on the need to work on basic infrastructure "with the aim of preventing these events from happening again in the future."

The Prime Minister announced that, as a result of heavy rains, there are 23 interrupted transit points and 84 with restricted transit, since these occurred in 18 Peruvian regions. In addition, 50 roads are affected.

Humanitarian aid

Moreover, the Prime Minister specified that the Government will soon deliver 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Ancash and La Libertad regions.

Besides, State Ministers are deployed in various areas of the country directly administering assistance to those most affected.

"We are in an emergency situation, in which all Peruvians must stand united. Local and regional authorities rely on an adequate legal framework, because the Government issued two urgency decrees on the emergency and impact of these phenomena," he specified.

Otarola took the opportunity to call on authorities to use this legal framework with the aim of making budget amendments and relying on the flexibility to acquire machinery aimed at supporting recovery works.

"The Government works tirelessly. President Dina Boluarte is personally directing the assistance to all areas of the country. Besides, we are trying to coordinate with all State levels so that this support is immediate and efficient," he added.

(END) JCC/MVB

Published: 3/14/2023