Peru declares emergency in 607 districts over water shortages

Peru declared Thursday a 60-day state of emergency in at least 607 districts across 16 regions due to an imminent risk of water shortages that could affect local populations and activities in the coming months.



The measure was made official through a Supreme Decree published Thursday in the official gazette El Peruano. It orders "exceptional, immediate and necessary measures and actions" to address the projected water deficit for the 2026-2027 rainy season.



The affected districts will benefit from legal measures designed to reduce the current "very high risk" and facilitate response and rehabilitation efforts in each jurisdiction under emergency status.



Regional and local governments will carry out the measures under technical coordination and monitoring of the National Institute of Civil Defense, or Indeci, with support from relevant ministries and public or private entities.