Tsunami devastates Peru's coast, closes 91 ports indefinitely
A tsunami hits the coast of Peru, causing the closure of 91 ports. High waves have destroyed coastal areas as the sea surged inland. Several-meter-high waves have impacted beaches such as Zorritos, Máncora, Lobitos, El Ñuro, Cabo Blanco, the port of Callao, and Ancón.
Since Friday, the northern coasts of Peru have been experiencing these unusually high waves, which are damaging and sinking fishing boats.
Social media footage shows the waves carrying away vessels and flooding streets. In the regions of Piura and Tumbes, a ban on going out to sea is currently in effect.
High waves in Peru lead to port closures
In the town of Talara, over a hundred fishermen were stranded at sea due to adverse conditions. The high waves prevented them from safely returning to port.
On Saturday, after two days adrift, a group of 30 fishermen was successfully rescued by personnel from the Peruvian Navy in the northern border area of Peru. However, there are still many vessels at sea that cannot dock.
The port authorities have not yet implemented a rescue plan. Many fishermen were at sea when the waves hit and need assistance returning to dry land. Fortunately, there are no reports of injuries.
However, residents of Tumbes and Piura are affected. The sea conditions are preventing them from conducting fishing activities and are also destroying their boats.
The Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of the Peruvian Navy issued a final alert indicating that this phenomenon will continue until January 2025. Until then, 91 ports on the Peruvian coast will remain closed. Local authorities are appealing to the public to stay out of the sea and follow safety recommendations.
In a Friday report, the Peruvian Navy warns that the waves may persist until Wednesday, affecting more coastal areas. The situation is being monitored, and residents are urged to exercise caution.
