Large waves, some reaching up to 13 feet (4 metres), have caused devastation along the coasts of Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, leaving three people dead and nearly 100 ports closed due to dangerous conditions.
In Ecuador, Jorge Carillo, Secretary for Risk Management, described the event as an extreme phenomenon and warned of similar incidents in the future. Two fatalities were confirmed in the southwestern Manta region, while in Chile, the navy reported the death of a 30-year-old man found on a beach.
In Peru, almost all ports have been shut down as waves continue to batter the coastline. Enrique Varea, head of the naval Oceanographic Department, told Canal N that the waves are expected to persist but may begin calming from Monday, with normal conditions likely to resume in early January.
The Peruvian navy attributed the massive waves to winds generated off the US coast. The impact has been devastating, with jetties and public squares submerged in some areas, forcing residents to flee to higher ground.
Fishermen in the region have been particularly affected. Many boats were damaged or destroyed, and those that survived remain unable to operate in the perilous conditions.
The navy rescued 31 stranded fishermen on Saturday, while around 180 more are reportedly still at sea.
Authorities have closed numerous beaches and restricted public access to prevent further loss of life. In Callao, near Peru’s capital Lima, beaches were shut, and tourists were barred from venturing out.
Roberto Carrillo Zavala, mayor of La Cruz district, surveyed the damage with Defense Minister Walter Astudillo Chavez. He highlighted the severe economic toll on the fishing industry.
The National Emergency Operations Center of Peru has confirmed that the phenomenon began on Christmas and is expected to last until January 1.
