Massive waves, reaching heights of up to 13 feet (four meters), have wreaked havoc along the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, leading to the closure of numerous ports and at least one reported death on Saturday, authorities confirmed.
In Peru, the situation has been dire, with jetties and public squares submerged, forcing residents to evacuate to higher ground. Local media showcased images of the chaos, where the Peruvian navy indicated that these dangerous waves were spawned by winds off the U.S. coast affecting the ocean’s surface.
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In response to the life-threatening conditions, many beaches in central and northern Peru have been shut down. The impact on the local fishing industry has been severe; dozens of boats have been damaged, and those that remain intact are grounded due to the hazardous sea state. “None of the fishermen can go out to sea,” stated Juan Ore, a 60-year-old fisherman speaking to AFP. The Peruvian navy managed to rescue 31 fishermen stranded in the swell on Saturday afternoon, but concerns persist as one fisherman reported to local radio that approximately 180 others are still adrift, lacking essential supplies like food and water.
Across the border in Ecuador, the situation is similarly grave. The National Secretariat for Risk Management reported the recovery of a body in Manta, with the Manta Fire Department confirming the grim discovery at 6:00 am in the Barbasquillo sector. The waves here have been slightly less intense, reaching nearly seven feet.
The coastal turmoil hasn’t stopped at these two nations; Vina del Mar in central Chile has also seen significant wave activity, prompting authorities to issue warnings.
In an effort to mitigate further risks, Peru has taken the drastic measure of closing 91 out of its 121 ports until January 1, as announced by the National Emergency Operations Center on their X account.
The region braces for more impacts as these natural phenomena continue to unfold.
