Strong winds from DANA Bertha damage homes in Peru’s Tacna region

Dozens of lightweight homes were damaged in Vila Vila, particularly in the Playa Tres Cruces area, after winds reached between 35 and 40 kilometres per hour overnight from Sunday into Monday. Roofs were torn off, reed-mat fences and timber structures were destroyed, and metal structures were knocked down. Residents said they were left clearing rubble and trying to rebuild their homes with whatever materials remained.

The National Emergency Operations Centre reported further damage in Sama, Inclan, Tacna, La Yarada-Los Palos and Ite, including fallen trees, signs and power lines. Kevin Vega, a meteorology analyst at Senamhi Tacna, said the strong winds were linked to DANA Bertha, an upper-level atmospheric system currently over the Pacific Ocean that is also contributing to rainfall and stronger winds in parts of central and southern Peru. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and the number of affected families.