Peru’s government has taken swift action in response to a looming crisis, as it declared a state of emergency in 544 districts across the country due to the imminent threat of a water shortage attributed to the potential arrival of El Nino in the upcoming year.
This emergency decree, issued on Tuesday, is set to last for 60 days and empowers authorities to enact immediate and necessary measures to mitigate the severe risk of water scarcity that could impact millions of people, agricultural production, and livestock.
According to the official publication in El Peruano, the declaration permits the implementation of urgent and essential measures to mitigate the current high levels of risk.
The decision to declare a state of emergency was made following a comprehensive technical report that sounded the alarm about the current hydrological conditions and the status of reservoirs. Additionally, the report pointed to the high probability of the El Nino phenomenon persisting in the Pacific Ocean until the summer of 2024.
El Nino, a climatic event characterized by warm waters in the eastern Pacific, has far-reaching effects on global weather patterns, including droughts, floods, and storms.
The report underscored the inadequate response from regional and local governments in addressing the imminent water shortage and their limited technical and operational capabilities to respond effectively. Consequently, the national government, working in tandem with the National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci) and other state institutions, will collaborate with regional and local authorities to implement emergency measures tailored to the evolving needs and circumstances.
The emergency decree further emphasized the potential health hazards posed to the population, particularly in rural areas with limited access to safe water and sanitation.
In light of this critical situation, the government has issued a plea to citizens to use water judiciously and responsibly while urging cooperation with authorities in executing the emergency plan.
The state of emergency serves as a proactive measure to address the impending water shortage crisis and underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and the nation’s agricultural and environmental interests.
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