Massive Waves Cause Havoc on Ecuador and Peru Coasts, Resulting in Fatalities and Port Closures

In an alarming turn of events, massive waves reaching heights of up to 13 feet (four meters) have wreaked havoc along the coastlines of Ecuador and Peru, leading to the closure of numerous ports and claiming at least two lives, authorities reported on Sunday.

Jorge Carillo, Ecuador’s Secretary for Risk Management, addressed the press, labeling the situation as an “extreme event” and hinting at the potential for similar occurrences in the future. He confirmed the tragic loss of two individuals in Ecuador’s southwestern Manta region.

In Peru, the response has been equally severe, with the nation closing nearly all its ports due to the relentless assault of waves, as stated by Enrique Varea, head of Peru’s Naval Oceanographic Department, in an interview with Canal N. Varea predicted that the intense wave activity would persist in the coming days, although there might be some relief starting Monday, with conditions expected to normalize by early January.

Larry Linch, head of the Civil Defense unit in Peru’s Callao region, attributed these “anomalous waves” to climate change during a conversation with AFP. Visual evidence from local media depicted scenes of submerged jetties and public spaces, with residents scrambling to higher ground for safety.

The Peruvian Navy detailed that these waves originate from winds along the ocean surface off the U.S. coast. This has led to the closure of many beaches in Peru’s central and northern areas to safeguard lives, with numerous fishing vessels suffering damage, rendering the survivors inoperable under the current perilous conditions.

A local fisherman, speaking to TV Peru, expressed the dire situation, stating, “We need help from authorities. Here, we’ve lost some 100 boats,” and reflected on the unprecedented nature of the waves, “I’m 70 years old and I’ve never seen such unusual and strong waves.”

Rescue operations have been underway, with the Peruvian Navy saving 31 fishermen from the dangerous swells on Saturday afternoon, though reports indicate that approximately 180 more remain stranded at sea.

The impact of these waves extends beyond Peru, with significant wave activity also noted in Vina del Mar on Chile’s central coast, prompting official warnings. In Peru’s Callao, which neighbors the capital Lima and houses the country’s largest port, beaches have been shut down, and both tourist and fishing activities have been halted.

Roberto Carrillo Zavala, mayor of La Cruz district, after an aerial assessment with Peru’s Defense Minister Walter Astudillo Chavez, described the situation as “a major problem,” emphasizing the severe impact on the fishing community. “The most affected have been the fishermen,” he added, expressing concerns over the economic repercussions should further incidents occur.

This wave phenomenon, which began on Christmas, is expected to continue until January 1, as per updates from Peru’s National Emergency Operations Center.