Waves reaching up to four meters have struck the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, closing ports and resulting in two fatalities. Authorities warn of ongoing extreme weather linked to climate change, particularly impacting fishermen and coastal communities. Most ports in Peru are closed, and the phenomenon is expected to continue until early January.
Recent severe waves reaching heights of up to four meters have battered the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, leading to the closure of numerous ports and resulting in at least two fatalities. Jorge Carillo, the secretary for risk management in Ecuador, described the situation as an “extreme event,” indicating there may be similar occurrences in the future. The coastal town of Manta in Ecuador reported the deaths, both confirmed by authorities.
In Peru, maritime activity has been severely impacted, with most ports rendered inoperable due to the relentless waves, as stated by Enrique Varea, head of the naval Oceanographic Department. He anticipates a gradual subsiding of the waves starting Monday, with a return to more normal conditions expected in early January. The ongoing wave activity has been attributed to climate change, as articulated by Larry Linch, head of the Civil Defense unit in Callao.
Media reports have shown significant flooding in parts of Peru, with public areas submerged, prompting evacuations to higher ground for safety. The Peruvian navy has noted that these waves, originating from winds off the U.S. coast, have endangered local fishing vessels, many of which were damaged. Fishermen have expressed desperation, with one reporting the loss of around 100 boats. On Saturday, thirty-one fishermen found stranded were rescued. Meanwhile, warnings have also been issued for the central Chilean coast.
Callao, located near the capital Lima and home to Peru’s largest port, has seen numerous beaches closed and restrictions placed on both tourism and fishing activities. Roberto Carrillo Zavala, the mayor of La Cruz district, conveyed concerns over the significant economic impact on the local fishing community. According to Peru’s National Emergency Operations Center, the adverse wave phenomenon commenced on Christmas and is projected to persist until January 1.
This article covers the recent weather phenomenon affecting coastal regions of Ecuador and Peru. High waves, influenced by climate change and wind patterns, have imposed severe disruptions, leading to the loss of life, damage to property, and economic jeopardy for the fishing industry. The situation underscores the broader implications of climate change and its effects on vulnerable coastal communities.
The recent extreme wave activity has caused tragic consequences in Ecuador and Peru, including fatalities and extensive damage to coastal infrastructure. The ongoing risk to local economies, particularly fishing, emphasizes the urgent need for effective management and support from authorities. Observations of similar future phenomena highlight the necessity for increased awareness and preparedness for climate change impacts.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
