A powerful coastal storm has severely impacted the coasts of Peru and Ecuador, with waves reaching up to four meters high. The event led to the closure of the majority of ports across Peru and tragically resulted in at least one fatality in the Ecuadorian city of Manta, as confirmed by local authorities.
According to the National Risk Management Secretariat of Ecuador, "El Cuerpo de Bomberos de Manta informó que, a las 06H00 (locales), se encontró sin vida el cuerpo de una persona desaparecida en el sector de Barbasquillo." This grim discovery prompted officials to enforce preventative measures, including the closure of beaches to protect residents and tourists.
Further reports from the Instituto Oceanográfico y Antártico de la Armada del Ecuador (INOCAR) revealed maximum wave heights of 2.1 meters achieved in other coastal provinces such as Manabí and Guayas. Authorities advised caution with marine activities as conditions were expected to remain turbulent until at least December 29.
On the Peruvian side, the situation is even more drastic, with 91 of the 121 national ports shut down, as reported by the Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia Nacional (COEN). The closures affect key recreational beaches and the main port of Callao, adjacent to Lima. Access to these beaches was entirely restricted, with the municipal government announcing the prohibition of tourist vessels and fishing boats from coastal access points.
Reports indicate the storm, termed as "maretazo," has incurred extensive damage to coastal infrastructure, impacting both fishing communities and their vessels. The areas of Tumbes and Piura, located near the Ecuadorian border, were particularly hard-hit, with significant damage observed to fishing crafts and machinations.
Capitan Enrique Varea from the Marina del Perú explained the origins of the storm, stating, "Este oleaje se genera a miles de kilómetros frente a Estados Unidos (…) generado por un viento persistente sobre la superficie del océano que se aproxima a nuestras costas." This reflects the broader climatic influences contributing to the intensity of weather events along the coasts of both nations.
The impacts of the storm have extended beyond infrastructural damage to include grave economic consequences for countless fisherman across the region. More than 3,000 fishermen found themselves severely affected, experiencing loss of livelihood due to the destruction of their boats and the inability to fish under perilous conditions. Photographic evidence shared via social media depicted harrowing scenes as communities scrambled to evacuate flood-impacted areas.
Following two days at sea during the storm, about 30 fishermen were successfully rescued by personnel from the Marina del Guerra, underscoring the extreme dangers these storm conditions present.
While officials have expressed their commitment to monitoring the situation closely, it is clear the ascent of the waves will remain shouldered by many communities through the New Year celebrations. Reports specify, "Los oleajes ya han causado daños en la costa norte de Perú" which poses serious risks during peak times for tourism.
Many tourist spots such as Máncora have suffered damage, with affected residents and businesses on high alert as conditions might deteriorate before improving. Locals are being advised to remain vigilant and heed warning signs during this perilous weather phase.
With the heightened threat of future storms attributed to changing climate conditions, the words of local fishermen echo the dire situation, with sentiments describing the storm’s severity like "un tsunami que se iba a llevar el pueblo." These remarks not only encapsulate the immediate effects of the current storm but also evoke apprehension for the future.
Local governments continue to take action, closing beaches and advising residents against engaging with the ocean until conditions stabilize. The astonishing forecast indicates the storm impacts could last until at least January 1, 2025, leaving many uncertain about what lies ahead.
