Peruvian authorities on Saturday began helicopter evacuations for dozens of people stranded for nearly a week along the Southern Coastal Highway in the Arequipa region. The operation was initiated after heavy rains triggered landslides that blocked and destroyed sections of the critical transport route, leaving numerous vehicles and their occupants unable to move.
The Ministry of Defense is coordinating the rescue efforts with the National Civil Defense Institute (INDECI). According to government statements, military helicopters are being used to airlift individuals from the affected areas to safe locations in nearby towns where they are receiving medical attention and temporary shelter. The operation is prioritizing families with children and individuals with medical needs.
Reports from officials on the ground indicate that dozens of people, including passengers in interprovincial buses, truck drivers, and occupants of private cars, were trapped since the initial landslides occurred approximately six days ago. The prolonged situation led to concerns over dwindling supplies of food and water for those stranded.
Peru’s Minister of Transport and Communications addressed the situation in a press briefing, stating that emergency response teams were dispatched to the area. “Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of every person affected,” the minister said. “Simultaneously, heavy machinery is being mobilized to begin the complex work of clearing debris and assessing the structural damage to the highway.”
The landslides, known locally as “huaicos,” are a recurring phenomenon in Peru’s Andean and coastal regions, particularly during seasonal rains. The Southern Coastal Highway is a vital artery for commerce and travel, connecting Lima with the southern part of the country.
Officials have not yet provided a timeline for the full reopening of the highway. Engineers are conducting assessments to determine the extent of the damage and to ensure the stability of the surrounding slopes before clearing operations can proceed safely. In the interim, authorities have advised travelers to avoid the area and have established alternative routes where possible, though significant transport delays are expected to continue.
