MTC deploys prevention plan for roads and communications in Áncash ahead of El Niño

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) is carrying out various actions to maintain road access and connectivity in Áncash in anticipation of the possible effects of the 2026-2027 El Niño phenomenon, with special attention to areas that could be affected by intense rainfall.

During the "Multi-sectoral coordination meeting for prevention actions against the El Niño Phenomenon," convened by the congressman for Áncash, José Marcelo Salazar, in the Congress of the Republic, the Vice Minister of Communications, Dalia Suárez Salazar, explained that the MTC is working on identifying vulnerable points, ensuring the availability of machinery and strategic resources, as well as establishing mechanisms to respond promptly and restore road access in the event of emergencies.

"Protecting the road network is not just a technical task. Every interrupted road or collapsed bridge can isolate thousands of Peruvians. Therefore, we coordinate efforts with regional and local governments to ensure agile and efficient intervention," she stated.

She indicated that, in Áncash, preventive work has been carried out since August in priority areas, such as the cleaning of the Casma River and the Lacramarca bridge. Additionally, efforts are underway to make Bailey-type modular bridges available to restore traffic in the event of possible damage.

For these preventive interventions, the MTC is managing the allocation of S/ 37.56 million and is also preparing the declaration of emergency for concession bridges, scheduled for October.

Meanwhile, Provías Nacional maintains operational machinery and camps deployed in the region to attend to the national road network. It currently has 30 pieces of machinery and six vans, in addition to additional units that can be mobilized according to needs.

During 2026, four bridges were affected by intense rainfall. Of these, three remain restricted, and one resumed operation in July.

At the Andaymayo bridge, in Sihuas, Provías Nacional is managing budget certification to replace the concrete structure and restore road access. In Casma, riverbed cleaning and traffic control are being carried out due to the erosion recorded.

The MTC also has mechanisms to maintain communications during an emergency. Áncash has the Special Satellite Communications Network for Emergencies (REDSAT), which keeps the Regional Government, the Regional Emergency Operations Center, and the Decentralized Directorate of INDECI Áncash connected.

Likewise, 35 nodes of the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network have contingency plans managed by Pronatel. The sector monitors and tracks these measures, in addition to supervising the contingency plans of the priority nodes of operating companies, which include power backup and generator set tests.

As part of this preparation, the radio spectrum is also monitored from the Huaraz and Chimbote stations, and the availability of Service 119 is tracked to help maintain communications in the event of an emergency.

The Minister of Defense, Rafael Belaúnde, as well as congressmen and mayors from the Áncash region, also participated in the meeting.

With these actions, the MTC maintains an articulated response capacity to address possible impacts in Áncash and contribute to the continuity of road access and communications during the 2026-2027 El Niño phenomenon.