Heavy rainfall caused by the Yaku phenomenon Four deaths have already occurred on Peruvian territory, mainly in the Piura area.

Two were the young people who fell into the bed of the Huancabamba River and were found several days later; the third, the resident of Locuto in Tambogrande who fell on a rain-weakened wall. The fourth deceased is a 50-year-old woman who was swept away after the activation of the Cerezo ravine in Peru’s Sullana province.

According to the Peruvian Meteorological Service, Cyclone Yaku is the phenomenon that affects the climate in Peru and Ecuador and has not occurred since 1997 and 1998.

Over the next three days, as it approaches Peru, the Yaku low-pressure system will concentrate heavy rainfall on the northern Peruvian coast, authorities warned. The low-pressure system has been strengthened in its structure and formation by the warming of sea surface temperatures.

According to Peruvian organizations, in addition to the deceased, there are 227 victims in Piura and at least 10 other victims in Tumbes, for which they warned the population to move away and not to cross flooded areas or rivers. “If there has been a flood, it is necessary to gain height. Likewise, it is necessary to clean the roofs and balconies so that the water can flow over the sewage system. Also, disconnect electronic devices if there is a flood,” they urged.

Peru’s National Institute of Civil Protection warned a total of 586 districts on the northern coast and in the mountains at risk of being hit by landslides or other types of mass movements. The warning has been issued for the departments of Cajamarca, Áncash, Ayacucho, La Libertad, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Lima, Piura, Apurímac, Arequipa, Junín, Lambayeque, Cusco and Pasco.

Similarly, Ica and Tumbes wards have a high risk warning.