Massive Waves Devastating Coastlines in Peru and Ecuador

Officials in Peru and Ecuador are continuing to warn the public to stay away from the coast as massive waves several times the normal height are devastating the shoreline and washing inland. The phenomenon began on Christmas day and peaked on Friday and Saturday, December 27 – 28, but could continue until at least January 4.

According to reports coming from Peru, the massive waves have reached as high as 13 feet (4 meters), crashing into small fishing communities, popular tourist areas, and even flooding parts of Callao. The government closed as many as 100 of the country’s 121 seaports in response. The northern reaches of Peru are experiencing the worst of the impact.

Images from the peak of the waves show fishing boats being tossed around like toy boats. The Navy reported on Saturday, December 28, that it rescued as many as 30 fishermen trapped offshore, while reports indicate that at least 100, and possibly as many as 180, more remain stranded at sea. One fishing community in Peru reported that at least 100 boats were lost.

The waves, coming in at least three times the usual height, prompted Navy Captain Enrique Varea to warn that they might intensify further. Forecasters expect the waves to begin to moderate by December 31 or January 1 but could continue to impact the coastlines until at least January 4.

Civil Defense officials attribute the phenomenon to climate change, citing strong winds blowing toward the coast from as far away as the United States and abnormally high tides. They dismissed reports of a freak wave or tsunami, stating instead that this was a persistent weather pattern. They predict that Peru will continue to experience such extreme weather as global temperatures rise.

Peru declared an environmental emergency last week after an oil shipment leaked into the ocean, impacting approximately 10,000 square meters of surface water and seven beaches. The spill has also affected local wildlife.

The holidays and the approaching New Year are typically popular times for coastal resorts, but multiple destinations have been inundated by the waves, destroying businesses. Ecuador reported two fatalities, while Chile found a body on the beach. Peru has not confirmed any deaths related to the waves so far.

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Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.