Rain and Electrical Storms: 20 Regions on Alert in Peru – Senamhi Warning
Peru Braces for Continued Heavy Rainfall and Potential Disasters
Lima and 19 other regions of Peru are facing continued heavy rainfall, electrical storms, and potential flooding, according to alerts issued by the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (Senamhi). The warnings, effective from today, , indicate a high risk of landslides, river flooding, and infrastructure damage across a large swathe of the country.
Senamhi is forecasting accumulated rainfall between 5 and 30 mm per day along the north coast, 12 to 25 mm per day in the northern highlands, 10 to 20 mm per day in the central highlands, and 11 to 26 mm per day in the southern highlands. The agency also warns of possible hail in areas above 2,800 meters in the central and southern highlands, and snowfall above 3,800 meters.
A state of emergency was initially declared in January for 20 regions throughout Peru due to the danger posed by heavy rainfall, particularly in mountainous areas. This initial declaration, announced in January, remains in effect, highlighting the ongoing severity of the situation. The U.S. Embassy in Lima issued a weather alert on , referencing the state of emergency and the potential for landslides, flash floods, riverbank erosion, and bridge washouts.
The National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci) has echoed Senamhi’s warnings and is urging residents and local authorities to take precautions. Indeci recommends avoiding flooded areas and rivers, being alert for landslides, reinforcing roofs, disconnecting electrical appliances, and staying informed through official channels.
Specifically, the following regions are currently under alert: Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martín, Tacna, and Tumbes. The current advisory from Senamhi is valid for 23 hours, beginning at midnight on .
The warnings come after a massive sandstorm engulfed the Valle de Ica in Peru on August 1, 2025, an event described by experts as unprecedented for the area. While not directly linked to the current rainfall, the unusual weather patterns underscore the increasing vulnerability of Peru to extreme climate events.
UNICEF Peru issued a flash update in February 2025, reporting that heavy rains had caused landslides and river flooding affecting 20 of Peru’s 24 regions, with 1,771 emergency events reported nationwide. The ongoing situation suggests a continuation of these challenges.
Indeci advises those in affected areas to seek shelter during electrical storms, avoid metal structures, and exercise caution during periods of heavy wind. In areas experiencing snowfall, residents are advised to protect animals, secure roofs, and check routes before traveling.
Senamhi and Indeci continue to emphasize the importance of heeding official instructions and staying updated on the latest weather information to mitigate the risks associated with these severe weather conditions.