On December 28, 2024, powerful waves battered the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, damaging boats, flooding homes, and resulting in at least one death in Ecuador. Over 300 fishermen were stranded, prompting substantial port closures in Peru. The dangerous waves, influenced by persistent winds, were expected to last until January 1.
On December 28, 2024, exceptionally strong waves struck the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, resulting in widespread damage. Numerous boats were damaged, homes were inundated, and one fatality was reported in Ecuador’s coastal city of Manta. The National Emergency Operations Center in Peru reported that over 300 fishermen were stranded due to dangerous swells, with approximately 30 rescued by the afternoon. Notably, 91 of Peru’s 121 ports were closed until January 1, and many central and northern beaches were also shut down for safety reasons. The waves reached record heights, peaking at 4 meters (13 feet) along the northern coast of Peru and 2 meters (7 feet) off the coast of Ecuador. This weather phenomenon, spurred by persistent winds from thousands of kilometers away, commenced on December 25 and is projected to continue until the end of this week.
The occurrence of strong waves along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador can be attributed to a meteorological phenomenon influenced by distant winds. Such extreme weather patterns can lead to significant impact on coastal communities, disrupting local fisheries and posing risks to both lives and property. During this event, local authorities were prompted to close ports and beaches to safeguard the public, as emergency services mobilized to address the dangerous conditions.
In summary, the unusually strong waves that impacted the coasts of Ecuador and Peru on December 28, 2024, led to considerable disruption, including property damage, flooding, and loss of life. Authorities responded promptly by closing ports and beaches to mitigate risk to civilians. The situation underscored the vulnerability of coastal regions to severe weather events, necessitating ongoing vigilance and preparedness in the face of such phenomena.
Original Source: watchers.news