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IN PHOTOS: State of emergency after deadly floods swamp Peru's Arequipa

Updated On: 27 February, 2026 07:23 PM IST | Divya Nair

Intense rainfall linked to the El Niño Costero phenomenon battered southern Peru in mid-to-late February 2026, unleashing flash floods, mudslides (huaicos), and debris flows that devastated parts of Arequipa province. The crisis began escalating around February 19, with the Chullo torrentera (ravine) overflowing and dumping thick mud, rocks, and water into urban neighborhoods. PICS/AFP  

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Local residents clear debris after heavy rains in Arequipa, southern Peru, on Wednesday. PIC/AFP
Local residents clear debris after heavy rains in Arequipa, southern Peru, on Wednesday. PIC/AFP
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Heavy rains intensified around February 19–20, causing flash floods and debris flows in multiple districts

Heavy rains intensified around February 19–20, causing flash floods and debris flows in multiple districts

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The Chullo torrentera (ravine) overflowed prominently, dumping thick mud, rocks, and water into neighborhoods on February 19

The Chullo torrentera (ravine) overflowed prominently, dumping thick mud, rocks, and water into neighborhoods on February 19

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A second, more intense wave hit on February 22, just days after initial cleanup, worsening damage in areas like Yanahuara, Cayma, Cerro Colorado, Sachaca, and others

A second, more intense wave hit on February 22, just days after initial cleanup, worsening damage in areas like Yanahuara, Cayma, Cerro Colorado, Sachaca, and others

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Streets turned into fast-moving rivers of mud, burying vehicles, destroying roads, and threatening homes. Some reports noted over 16 districts affected in the initial wave, with widespread infrastructure impacts. Many were displaced

Streets turned into fast-moving rivers of mud, burying vehicles, destroying roads, and threatening homes. Some reports noted over 16 districts affected in the initial wave, with widespread infrastructure impacts. Many were displaced

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Peru declared a state of emergency in over 700 districts (nearly half the country) across regions including Arequipa, Ica, Piura, Tumbes, and others. This allowed faster access to funds for repairs, relief, and recovery.

Peru declared a state of emergency in over 700 districts (nearly half the country) across regions including Arequipa, Ica, Piura, Tumbes, and others. This allowed faster access to funds for repairs, relief, and recovery.

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