On December 28, 2024, strong waves caused extensive damage along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador, affecting hundreds of fishermen and resulting in at least one fatality. The waves, some reaching 4 meters, flooded homes and forced the closure of over 90 ports in Peru while prompting evacuations in affected areas. This climate event stemmed from persistent offshore winds and is expected to continue through the beginning of January.
On December 28, 2024, unusually strong waves lashed the coastal regions of Ecuador and Peru, causing significant destruction and disruption. In Peru, waves reached a staggering height of 4 meters (approximately 13 feet), impairing the integrity of homes and leading to the deterioration of numerous fishing vessels. Coastal infrastructures, including jetties and public areas, experienced severe flooding, prompting residents to evade to elevated terrains. This climatic event not only resulted in property damage but also left more than 300 individuals stranded at sea, with a small portion being successfully rescued. Tragically, the incident resulted in one fatality in the Ecuadorian coastal city of Manta, where the body of the missing individual was retrieved by local authorities. In response to the perilous conditions, over 91 out of 121 maritime ports in Peru were ordered to close, suspending operations until January 1, with many beaches along the coast also facing restrictions to safeguard public safety.
The phenomenon of unusually strong ocean waves has been linked to persistent winds originating thousands of kilometers offshore, which significantly escalated wave heights along the western coasts of South America. This weather event began on December 25 and is expected to persist until January 1, raising considerable concern among coastal communities reliant on fishing and maritime activities. The impact of such extreme weather patterns underscores the vulnerability of these regions to severe climate events, highlighting the importance of monitoring and disaster preparedness.
The recent occurrence of massive waves along the coastlines of Ecuador and Peru has resulted in severe damage to property, stranding of fishermen, and a tragic loss of life. With numerous ports shut down and beach access restricted, the situation remains critical as local authorities navigate the aftermath of this weather event. The need for enhanced disaster response measures and community preparedness is evident in light of these extreme weather conditions.
Original Source: watchers.news
