Peru Braces for Twin Weather Threats as El Niño and 'Aníbal' Depression Loom

Peru is bracing for a double weather assault as the government prepares for the El Niño phenomenon while simultaneously dealing with the arrival of the 'Aníbal' Atmospheric Depression. President Keiko Fujimori announced the development on Monday, warning citizens of impending strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Speaking from an emergency operations center in Lima, Fujimori stated that while the nation readies itself for El Niño, the 'Aníbal' system has already reached Peruvian shores, bringing with it significant precipitation and gusty conditions.

The capital, Lima, has already begun to feel the impact. Recent rains have left streets coated in mud and overwhelmed the city's sewer systems, prompting authorities to order a temporary closure of schools. The flooding has affected residents in ways not previously experienced.

Santiago Espinoza, a local resident, described the recurring nature of the problem, noting that this is the fourth or fifth time such flooding has occurred. He lamented that the water has now reached his home, an area that had never been affected before, and has turned parts of the neighborhood into a pond.

Emergency crews have been deployed across the city, with water tankers working to pump out flooded streets and assist vehicles trapped in underpasses. The government is also coordinating relief efforts, with the president visiting a school affected by the rains to assess the situation.

Meanwhile, meteorological forecasts indicate that the El Niño event expected for the 2026 season is likely to intensify. The U.S. National Weather Service projects a 90% probability of it becoming a 'very strong event,' while NOAA estimates a 69% chance it could surpass records dating back to 1950. Peru's own meteorology office has forecast a millimeter of rain for the coastal desert region, which includes Lima, as the country hunkers down for a potentially severe weather season.