Cyclone Yaku hits Peru, leaving 6 people dead, 5 missing, and over 2 000 homes severely damaged
Peru has been hit hard by Cyclone Yaku over the past few days, with the country’s northern regions experiencing severe flooding and significant damage. The cyclone, which has caused at least six deaths, has been described by the director of civil defense, César Sierra, as an unusual phenomenon causing intensifying rains in the north.
According to the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI), as of March 10, 2023, the flooding caused by the cyclone has left at least 6 people dead and 5 missing.1
Yaku severely damaged 2 077 homes, 13 educational centers, 35 health establishments, 2 700 means of transportation, and 4 730 irrigation canals.
To assist those affected by Cyclone Yaku, the government has declared a state of emergency in the regions of Tumbes, Piura, Cajamarca, Lambayeque, La Libertad and Ancas.
The cyclone has also affected neighboring Ecuador, causing the deaths of at least three people. The worst-affected region was Chone Canton in Manabí Province.2
On March 7, El Comercio reported that 90% of downtown Chone was flooded due to the heavy rain caused by Cyclone Yaku. Moreover, damaged homes and crops were reported in nearby rural areas, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.
References:
1 Cyclone in Peru causes major flooding, at least six dead – Reuters – March 12, 2023
2 Heavy rains produced by Cyclone Yaku cause severe flooding and landslides in western Ecuador – The Watchers – March 9, 2023
Featured image: 24 horas (stillshot)
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