arrived on Friday at Quebrada Honda, at kilometer 729 of the Southern Pan-American Highway in the Atico area, Caraveli province, Arequipa region, the area hardest hit by landslides.

The Head of State monitored the emergency response and oversaw road cleanup efforts carried out by the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci), Armed Forces, and National Police personnel and machinery.

In the area, the top official spoke with local authorities, transport operators affected by the emergency, and residents.

Likewise, the President explained the actions being taken by the Government in response to this situation.

She said the most important task is to reopen the Southern Pan-American Highway as soon as possible, as it has been blocked for several days.

This will allow vehicles, particularly passenger transport units, to resume operating.

Moreover, she thanked the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci), the Armed Forces, and the Peruvian National Police for the work carried out by their personnel and the machinery deployed in the area.

“I want to thank Indeci, all the Armed Forces personnel who have been present here, and the National Police,” Fujimori said.

She indicated that the High-Altitude Isolated Depression (DANA) has caused the severe landslides, which, added to Wednesday’s rainfall and Thursday’s earthquake in Ayacucho, have made the road rehabilitation work much more difficult.

State response

The President highlighted the Peruvian State’s joint response to address the emergencies occurring in Arequipa and other parts of the country.

“What is important here is that the entire Peruvian State has acted jointly,” Fujimori noted.

“I am taking this opportunity to bring these projects and requests with me, declare a state of emergency, and, above all, work toward a much more sustainable solution for the future,” she expressed.

The Head of State said there is a need to reopen the old Southern Pan-American Highway in order to have two access and exit routes to and from southern Peru, preventing incidents like those currently occurring in this Arequipa area from happening again.

The top official noted that work will be carried out on water and sanitation projects, as well as improvements to schools and health posts in this jurisdiction.

Fujimori indicated that an air bridge has been implemented to assist stranded passengers as well.

She added that a vessel is also departing from La Planchada to support efforts to restore the Southern Pan-American Highway.