Peru declares state of emergency in 134 districts amid heavy rains

LIMA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Peruvian government on Sunday declared a 60-day state of emergency in 134 districts across eight regions due to the imminent risks posed by heavy rainfall.

According to a decree published on the official gazette El Peruano, the measure covers districts in the regions of Ancash, Ica, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Moquegua, Piura and Tumbes.

The decision follows assessments by the National Institute of Civil Defense, which warned the intense rainfall and flooding could threaten lives and livelihoods and overwhelm local response capacity. ■