Heavy rains, deadly floods hit southern Peru; thousands seek shelter
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Heavy rains and deadly floods have wreaked havoc in southern Peru, displacing thousands and forcing over 700 districts nationwide to declare states of emergency. The worst-hit regions include Ica and Arequipa, where torrential downpours have caused catastrophic mudslides, destroying homes and infrastructure. At least two people, a father and son, were confirmed dead in one such landslide, while 15 others perished when a military helicopter crashed during rescue operations. The El Niño Costero climate phenomenon is blamed for the extreme weather, with experts linking its severity to climate change, which exacerbates its impact by raising ocean temperatures and increasing atmospheric moisture.
The situation has become dire as authorities scramble to respond. In Arequipa, shelters have been opened to house evacuees, while rescue teams work tirelessly to clear debris and reach those trapped by the floods
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026