An “extreme event” of towering waves, some as high as 13 feet (four meters), has resulted in 3 deaths and wreaked havoc along the coastlines of Ecuador, Chile, and Peru. According to a report by AFP, nearly 100 ports across the region have been forced to shut down as dangerous conditions continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods. Ecuador’s secretary for risk management, Jorge Carillo, described the event as unprecedented during a media briefing, warning that similar phenomena could occur in the future. He confirmed two fatalities in Ecuador’s southwestern Manta region, where the waves have caused significant destruction.
In Chile, a 30-year-old man was found dead on a beach, the country’s navy reported, marking the third confirmed fatality linked to the relentless waves.
Peruvian ports paralyzed
In neighbouring Peru, almost all ports have been closed. Strong winds off the US coast have generated waves that have inundated parts of the country, submerging jetties and public squares and forcing residents to flee to higher ground. Local authorities have closed many beaches along the central and northern coastline to protect lives.
Images circulating in the media showed significant damage to fishing boats and infrastructure, leaving many fishermen struggling to cope. “We’ve lost around 100 boats,” one fisherman told TV Peru. “I’m 70, and I’ve never seen such unusual and strong waves.”
Despite the challenges, the navy rescued 31 fishermen stranded in the dangerous swells on Saturday. However, reports suggest nearly 180 more remain at sea, awaiting help.
Economic fallout
Several beaches were closed in Callao, near Lima, Peru’s largest port, and tourists were barred from entering the waters.
The National Emergency Operations Center of Peru reported that the phenomenon began on Christmas and is expected to last until January 1. Authorities are bracing for further challenges.
