Tsunami Alert in Peru: Impact and Responses Following 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake
And prevention? Although the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) announced the closure of ports due to a tsunami alert following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake registered in Russia, routes to the Ballestas Islands continue to operate normally. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the preventive measures in place.
According to Víctor Paucar, Zonal Tourism Chief of the Regional Government of Ica, the Captaincy of Puerto de Pisco is still evaluating whether to close the docks. He stated, “There is no official red flag suspension statement. I spoke to the port captaincy and they are assessing the condition of the waves. However, it is very likely that they will suspend departures at 10. For now, everything is operating normally.”
“There is no official red flag suspension statement. I talked to the port captaincy and they say they are evaluating how the waves are; if they arrive or not. But it is very possible that at 10 they suspend the exit,” he explained.
Footage captured during this time shows tourists lining up at the El Chaco dock to purchase tickets for the Ballestas Island tours. Shortly after, the Pisco Port Captaincy communicated to RPP that they will proceed with the closure of the San Andrés and Paracas docks in light of the tsunami alert.
Notably, the excursion to the Ballestas Islands lasts between 40 to 60 minutes, implying that authorities must await the return of vessels already at sea.
Local tour guides have raised concerns regarding inadequate preventive measures from the authorities to mitigate the risks presented by these anomalous waves. They pointed out that this recent alert brings back memories of the significant incidents experienced three years ago.
In January 2022, a similar tsunami alert was triggered by the eruption of an underwater volcano near Tonga, which caused anomalous waves along the Peruvian coast. In Paracas, beachgoers witnessed the sea overflowing, adversely affecting many establishments along the boulevard. Many visitors had to evacuate the area, and local businesses suffered damage.
Following the tsunami alert stemming from the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia, INDECI released a series of guidelines aimed at minimizing risks along the Peruvian coast. Among the immediate actions, officials ordered the closure of various ports in line with procedures outlined by the Pacific Tsunamis Alert Center.
Indeci has urged local and regional authorities to comply with the port closure directive while also advising restrictions on access to coastal areas until the alert is lifted. Additionally, all fishing, recreational tourism, and aquatic sports activities have been halted, both in the ocean and at beaches, to safeguard the public and workers in this sector.
Authorities have also advised citizens to rely solely on official information, avoiding the spread of rumors or unverified news. They recommend preparing emergency backpacks with essential supplies, identifying evacuation routes, and designating meeting points for quick action if necessary.
As a closing note, INDECI has committed to monitoring the situation closely in partnership with the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of the Navy of Peru, as well as the National Port Authority. They emphasized the importance of staying calm and adhering to safety protocols, as a proactive response can significantly make a difference in facing natural disasters of this magnitude.