Heavy rains trigger damaging mudslides and floods in Arequipa, Peru

Days of heavy rains triggered destructive floods and landslides in southern Peru's Arequipa department, leaving at least 100 homes damaged. One of the worst affected areas is the city of Arequipa.

Heavy rains started affecting the region on March 13, causing rivers and streams to break their banks and leaving streets covered in mud and debris.

At least 100 homes sustained damage, while a bridge in the northern area of the city was left in the brink of collapsing. 

Authorities warned residents in the district of Sachaca to move away from a stream that had become swollen, while a red alert was issued for the Tacna department for the flooding of the Caplina river. 

In the Moquegua department, local disaster management authorities warned that the downpour may also trigger flooding in the Tambo river basin.

On March 18, Peru's National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) urged local and regional authorities to carry out the necessary assessments of buildings to ensure the proper design of infrastructures that will guarantee the safety of the people.

Authorities were also advised to monitor the flow of streams and rivers, as well as warn their people to stay away from the banks.

Featured image credit: @carlosezanabria/Twitter