Unusual rains threaten Peru’s housing and construction industry

Construction site in Cajamarca, Peru. Photo: David Huamani Bedoya/Shutterstock

The construction industry in Peru has been severely affected by heavy rains, which have caused floods, landslides, damage, and deaths across the country since the beginning of the year.

According to data from the country’s INEI statistics bureau, the impact of climate events decreased the construction sector’s performance by 11.7 percent in January, with Peru’s Chamber of Construction CAPECO predicting a 12.3 percent drop in February.

CAPECO’s executive director, Guido Valdivia, also warned of Peru’s lack of preparation for these adverse events, especially in peripheral areas where millions of citizens live in poor housing conditions.

Poorer regions, both in the capital Lima and in the northern coastal areas, have been affected by climate destruction since the rainy season began in December. As of today, civil defense corps in Peru have confirmed the deaths of at least 65 people, while thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed. Many victims are still unaccounted for.

Peru’s already worrying situation was exacerbated by the unusual presence of Cyclone Yaku in mid March, which brought a torrent of rain that intensified floods and mudslides. On Sunday, the government declared a state of emergency in at least 150 districts, some of which also experienced power outages.

Classes and some outdoor events have also been canceled in Lima. Buildings in the capital are often constructed with flat roofs, putting structures at risk of collapse due to a lack of drainage systems, an issue that meteorologists have recently raised.

Complications could extend into 2024 due to the expected arrival of La Niña, a periodic climatic oscillation that can bring heavier rains than usual.

Official data shows that the country’s economy contracted 1.12 percent in January, as a result of protests against the government of President Dina Boluarte. The head of state has taken a hard line against the protesters and nearly 50 people have died so far.

Lucas Berti

Lucas Berti covers international affairs — specialized in Latin American politics and markets. He has been published by Opera Mundi, Revista VIP, and The Intercept Brasil, among others.