Following the severe weather in Arequipa in the south of the country, flooding has also affected parts of northern Peru over the last few days.
Andina news agency reported that torrential rain during the early hours of 23 January caused severe damage to homes and streets in Tarapoto, Morales and La Banda de Shilcayo districts, located in San Martin province, San Martin region.
Tarapoto recorded 152.5 mm of rain in 24 hours on 23 January, which according to Peru’s National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) is a new record.
Two homes were completely destroyed and a school severely damaged in La Banda de Shilcayo district. Over 20 homes suffered damage in Morales district. A hospital was severely damaged in Tarapoto.
Authorities warn that the Shilcayo and Cumbaza rivers are extremely high and could cause further flooding.
Meanwhile 600km north, across the border in Ecuador, the National Risk and Emergency Management Service (SNGRE) reports that heavy rain on 21 January 2020 caused flooding in Tisaleo canton, Tungurahua Province, in central Ecuador. SNGRE said flooding damaged the homes and property of 21 families.
Social Media
Tramo #Tarapoto, hoy a partir de las 10 am continúa #lluvia menos intensa. Foto DZ San Martín Senamhi. pic.twitter.com/lUvwQLs6Rn
— LOURDES MENIS A. (@climatologa) January 23, 2020
COMUNICADO pic.twitter.com/E24tCOixIB
— Hospital Tarapoto (@HRT_Oficial) January 23, 2020
https://twitter.com/RadioTropical_/status/1220370613119877121
https://twitter.com/RadioTropical_/status/1220358959288193024
Buen día tuiteros…
Anoche Tarapoto fue afectada por un fuerte temporal… pic.twitter.com/pAn8FAbL88— Diana Miryan Haro (@LUNADETARTAGAL) January 23, 2020
https://twitter.com/RadioTropical_/status/1220349565687226374