Peru's coast battered: Tsunami forces closure of 91 ports
Tsunami hits the coast of Peru. High waves have led to the closure of 91 ports. Coastal areas have been devastated due to the force of the sea. Waves several metres high 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 faced unusually high waves. These waves damage and sink fishing boats.
Videos shared on social media show how the waves sweep away vessels and flood the streets. In the regions of Piura and Tumbes, a ban on going out to sea is in place.
High waves in Peru. Ports had to be closed
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 the Peruvian Navy personnel in the border area in northern Peru. However, there are still many vessels at sea unable to dock.
The port authorities have not yet established a rescue plan. Many fishermen were at sea when the waves struck. They require assistance to return to dry land. Fortunately, there are no reports of injuries.
However, the residents of Tumbes and Piura have suffered. The sea conditions prevent them from fishing and have also destroyed their boats.
The Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of the Peruvian Navy issued a final alert, indicating this phenomenon will continue until January 2025. Until then, 91 ports on the Peruvian coast will be closed. Local authorities are therefore urging the public to stay out of the sea and follow safety recommendations.
The Peruvian Navy, in a report on Friday, cautions that the waves may persist until Wednesday, affecting more coastal areas. The situation is being monitored, and residents are advised to exercise caution.
