On Saturday, colossal waves up to four meters high struck Ecuador and Peru, resulting in numerous port closures and one confirmed fatality. Public areas experienced heavy flooding, prompting evacuations. The waves, attributed to winds from the US coast, have caused significant disruptions to fishing activities and raised concerns over economic impacts.
On Saturday, massive waves reaching heights of up to four meters (approximately 13 feet) affected the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, leading to significant disruption, including the closure of numerous ports and the unfortunate death of at least one individual. According to local authorities, severe flooding submerged public squares and jetties in various regions of Peru, prompting residents to evacuate to higher ground.
The Peruvian navy informed that these formidable waves are the result of ocean surface winds originating thousands of kilometers away from the US coast. In an effort to safeguard lives, local authorities have ordered the closure of many beaches throughout the central and northern regions of Peru. It has been reported that dozens of fishing vessels suffered damage, while those that remained intact were still prohibited from setting sail due to the ongoing restrictions.
In Ecuador, the National Secretariat for Risk Management confirmed the recovery of a body in the coastal area of Manta, stating that the Manta Fire Department found a missing person’s lifeless body in the Barbasquillo sector around 6:00 AM. Recorded wave heights reached four meters in Peru and 2.1 meters in Ecuador, with alarming waves also impacting the central Chilean coast near Vina del Mar, leading to further warnings from local authorities.
As a precautionary measure, Peru has closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1, as reported by the National Emergency Operations Center on its official X social media account. In the northern region of Lobitos, dramatic footage captured individuals fleeing from a pier as enormous waves crashed against it. The largest port, located in Callao adjacent to Lima, has also imposed closures on several beaches and restricted both tourist and fishing boats from navigation.
There are significant concerns regarding the impact of these incidents on the local fishing economy. Municipal authorities, including La Cruz district Mayor Roberto Carrillo Zavala, have expressed worries about potential economic ramifications. Captain Enrique Varea from the Peruvian navy explained the origin of these waves, emphasizing they are the result of a consistent wind pattern impacting ocean conditions thousands of kilometers offshore. This wave phenomenon initially commenced on Christmas Day and is expected to persist until January 1.
The situation in Ecuador and Peru arises from exceptionally high wave activity along their coasts, influenced by wind systems originating in the Pacific Ocean near the United States. This meteorological phenomenon poses risks to safety and the economy, particularly impacting fishing communities dependent on access to the sea. The closures of ports and beaches serve as precautionary measures aimed at protecting the public from potential hazards associated with these extreme weather conditions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation while assessing damages and recovery efforts for those affected, especially in the fishing sector.
In conclusion, the massive waves affecting the coasts of Ecuador and Peru have led to significant disruptions, including the tragic loss of life and extensive damage to fishing vessels. Authorities have implemented port closures as a safety measure, and the situation poses potential long-term effects on local economies, particularly for the fishing industry. Continued monitoring and response efforts are paramount as communities seek to recover from this natural event.
Original Source: www.deltanews.tv
