Massive waves up to 13 feet have struck Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, leading to three deaths and nearly 100 port closures. The event presents severe risks, especially to the fishing industry, prompting authorities to take protective measures and rescue operations for stranded individuals.
A series of massive waves, some measuring as much as 13 feet (4 meters), have wreaked havoc along the coastlines of Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, resulting in three confirmed fatalities and the closure of nearly 100 ports due to hazardous conditions. In Ecuador, Jorge Carillo, Secretary for Risk Management, labeled the situation an extreme phenomenon, and predicted potential future occurrences of similar events. Fatalities in Ecuador were reported in the southwestern region of Manta, while in Chile, a 30-year-old man was found dead on a beach according to the navy.
In Peru, the coastline continues to be battered, leading to the shutdown of nearly all ports. Enrique Varea, head of the Naval Oceanographic Department, indicated that while the severe conditions would persist, a reduction in wave intensity could begin as early as Monday, with the expectation of a return to normalcy by early January. The Peruvian Navy attributed the origin of these massive waves to unusual winds generated off the coast of the United States, which have caused catastrophic flooding in some localized areas.
Local fishermen have experienced significant hardships, with many vessels either severely damaged or rendered unoperational due to the rough seas. The navy has undertaken rescue operations, saving 31 fishermen stranded at sea, although reports suggest that roughly 180 others remain unaccounted for. In order to mitigate further risk, authorities have closed numerous beaches and restricted public access, particularly in Callao, close to Lima, where beaches have been locked down and tourists have been prohibited from venturing out.
The mayor of the La Cruz district, Roberto Carrillo Zavala, alongside Defense Minister Walter Astudillo Chavez, conducted inspections of the damage and emphasized the detrimental economic impact on the fishing community. The situation initially arose on Christmas Day, as confirmed by the National Emergency Operations Center of Peru, and is projected to persist through January 1.
In late December 2023, an extraordinary weather phenomenon involving extremely high waves impacted Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, raising alarms due to the potential dangers presented to life and property. This situation, primarily caused by strong winds from the Pacific, led to fatalities, significant infrastructural damages, and widespread disruptions in the local fishing industry, highlighting the vulnerability of coastal areas to fluctuating climatic conditions. The extensive closure of ports and beaches across affected regions underscores the urgent response required to protect both residents and the economy, especially the fishing sector critical to many communities in these nations.
The destructive waves affecting Peru, Ecuador, and Chile have resulted in tragic loss of life, substantial disruptions to maritime operations, and considerable economic repercussions, particularly for the fishing industry. Authorities are taking measures to safeguard residents by closing beaches and port operations while assessing the damage. As conditions are expected to improve soon, continued monitoring and preparedness will be necessary to prevent future events.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
