Peru Races to Protect 10,000 Adobe Sites as Record El Niño Looms
A potentially record-setting El Niño is anticipated for 2026-27, posing a threat to over 10,000 archaeological sites along the coast of Peru, many of which are constructed from fragile clay adobe. On September 3, the World Meteorological Organization announced the presence of a "very strong" El Niño. The northern coastline is predicted to experience the most severe impacts until May 2027. Previous occurrences in 1982-83, 1997-98, and 2015-16 inflicted lasting damage. Experts have criticized Peruvian officials for inadequate preparations. A special commission was established on August 26, allocating $1.2 million for urgent actions at 536 sites, including Chan Chan, Sicán, and Túcume. An emergency was declared on September 1 across 893 districts, with Culture Minister Alberto Beingolea acknowledging the lack of readiness.
Key facts
- A potentially record-breaking El Niño for 2026-27 threatens more than 10,000 archaeological sites spanning 12,000 years along Peru's coast.
- The World Meteorological Organization confirmed on 3 September that an 'exceptional', 'very strong' El Niño was firmly established.
- The northern coast of Peru is expected to be hardest hit between now and May 2027.
- Past super El Niño events occurred in 1982-83, 1997-98 and 2015-16.
- Peruvian authorities established a special commission on 26 August and allocated $1.2m for urgent measures at 536 critical sites, including Chan Chan, Sicán and Túcume.
- On 1 September, the Peruvian government declared a 60-day emergency across 893 districts.
- Culture minister Alberto Beingolea said the state is unprepared and that prevention is no longer possible.
- A new Unesco-backed climate-risk guide announced on 3 September covers only Peru's 13 World Heritage Sites.
Entities
Artists
- Ana Cecilia Mauricio
- Francesca Fernandini
- Daniel Sandweiss
- Alberto Beingolea
- Ricardo Morales Gamarra
- Keiko Fujimori
Institutions
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
- University of Maine
- World Meteorological Organization
- Unesco
- Universidad Nacional de Trujillo
- RPPNoticias
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Peru
- Chao Valley
- Chan Chan
- Sicán
- Túcume
- Caral
- Pacific Ocean
- Andean coasts