Massive waves up to 13 feet have impacted Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, leading to three fatalities and nearly 100 port closures. The waves, attributed to US-origin winds, have devastated fishing operations and forced authorities to impose beach closures to safeguard the public. The phenomenon began on Christmas and is expected to continue into early January.
Massive waves, reaching heights of up to 13 feet (4 meters), have wreaked havoc along the coasts of Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives and the closure of nearly 100 ports due to hazardous conditions. In Ecuador, Jorge Carillo, Secretary for Risk Management, characterized the event as an extreme phenomenon, indicating the possibility of similar occurrences in the future. In the southwestern Manta region, two fatalities have been reported, while a 30-year-old man’s body was discovered on a beach in Chile, as confirmed by the navy.
In Peru, the impact of these colossal waves has led to the near-total shutdown of ports, as conditions remain perilous along the coast. Enrique Varea, head of the naval Oceanographic Department, informed Canal N that, while the intense wave activity is likely to persist, a calming trend may commence by Monday, with normal conditions anticipated by early January. According to the Peruvian navy, these massive waves have been attributed to strong winds originating from the US coast, causing significant flooding with jetties and public squares submerged.
Fishermen have been particularly hard hit, with many boats damaged or lost, leaving those that survived unable to venture out into the treacherous waters. The navy successfully rescued 31 stranded fishermen on Saturday, although approximately 180 remain reportedly at sea. To mitigate risks and safeguard public safety, authorities have imposed closures on various beaches and restricted access to prevent further tragedies. In Callao, adjacent to Peru’s capital Lima, beach closures and tourist restrictions were enforced.
Roberto Carrillo Zavala, the mayor of La Cruz district, assessed the devastation alongside Defense Minister Walter Astudillo Chavez, emphasizing the severe economic impact on the local fishing industry. The National Emergency Operations Center of Peru has confirmed that this extraordinary phenomenon commenced on Christmas Day and is projected to continue until January 1.
The massive waves battering the coastlines of Peru, Ecuador, and Chile highlight the vulnerability of these regions to intense maritime phenomena. This event, which exacerbates the already precarious situation for local industries such as fishing, is expected to have enduring effects. The extreme nature of this phenomenon underscores the need for effective risk management strategies and disaster preparedness in coastal communities, particularly in the face of changing climatic conditions that may fuel such occurrences in the future.
In summary, the recent wave disaster affecting Peru, Ecuador, and Chile has led to tragic fatalities and extensive infrastructural damage alongside significant impact on the fishing industry. Authorities remain on high alert as they monitor the situation, which is expected to persist until early January. This event serves as a critical reminder of the potential risks faced by coastal communities and the importance of preparedness and immediate response strategies.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
