At least 10 people killed, 1 800 injured as heavy rain, floods and landslides hit Peru

Recent heavy rains and landslides claimed lives of at least 10 people and injured 1 800 across southern Peru, the country's President Martin Vizcarra said Monday, February 11, 2019. States of emergency were declared in a number of provinces.

According to the cumulative damage, the emergency situation affected 8 000 people, 1 800 people were injured and 10 individuals died. In addition, infrastructure facilities such as bridges, roads, medical centers and police stations were damaged, Vizcarra said.

Heavy rains also caused dangerous mudslides down from high mountain locations. Most notable in Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna.

Meteorologist Abraham Levy said the rain's intensity is not related to an El Nino weather event, but is "extraordinary rain" that's impacted the southern mountain regions.  

Peru's rainy season runs from November to April. The wettest months are January through April.

Featured image credit: Carmen del R Viana ‏