Image
© LaRepúblicaHeavy rains in Arequipa have caused irreparable damage to the homes of at least 71 families, and affected 300 more.
Arequipa's committee for civil defense declared the province in a state of emergency due to the heavy rains that have recently struck the area, following a meeting among local authorities to assess cumulative damages, Andina reported today.

Provincial mayor of Arequipa Alfredo Zegarra announced that the decree would last for 30 days, during which time the authorities would be in permanent session to attend to emergencies as they arose.

He added that they would request resources from Peru's ministry of finance to assist 71 families who need to be relocated after rains destroyed their housing, as well as 300 more families affected by the extreme weather conditions. According the authorities' estimates, these efforts will require approximately 1 million soles.

It was also announced at the meeting that 50 percent of the sewer system of the city had ceased to function due to overflow, and that the most affected districts were Mariano Melgar, Miraflores and Alto Selva Alegre.

Twelve of the province's 29 mayors participated in the meeting, where they agreed to continue coordinating relief and prevention efforts. The national weather service predicts that heavy rains will continue into March.

.