The Peruvian government on Friday declared a state of emergency in seven regions of the Andean country as Cyclone Yaku caused widespread flooding in northern Peru, displacing and isolating hundreds of families.
In a TV address, Peru’s Defence Minister, Jorge Chavez, said that starting today (March 11), regions from Tumbes to Lima will be under a state of emergency as the Cyclone Yaku churns to the south of the country, threatening to leave a trail of destruction, as it had done in the north.
Chavez said the army and machinery will be deployed to the regions under the spotlight.
Local media reported that five people are missing, and six died – four in Piura and two in the Lambayeque department.
The weather could last until April 15, the minister said.