Well, the weather caused catastrophic problems throughout the country. PPK was reluctant to declare a national crisis and at one time 50% of Peru was considered disaster. The ocean temps were very high and there was excessive humidity and evaporation causing the atmosphere to be highly charged with moisture. The end of summer temps were high and with the 95%+ humidity the heat was quite unbearable day and night for about a month. The winds were stagnant and the moisture would not dissipate because of the mountain barrier that lines the interior of the coast. Inland there was rain which accumulated in the known ravines of the western side of the highlands and when filled they would break and run off carrying earth and debris and rushing toward the coast. This happened multiple times causing flooding along with the mud with rushing though the streets of town and cities. Water tanks were contaminated and houses were flooded. Many dwellings are one story on the ground so they were rendered useless. The mud also carried bacteria and were considered dangerous and as well sitting water breeds mosquitoes so there was concern about the diseases carried by them as well.
The infrastructure is weak here and the streets even after the floods were not drive-able so commerce was halted for about 2+ weeks. As well,, many structures that Should handle this type of pressure simply fell apart. For instance, a major bridge in Viru was just simply washed away after collapsing. This halted traffic to and from Lima so this being the only passage brought many essential activities to a full stop.
All of this was known to be forthcoming and there were no advance provisions taken from any time prior 3 months to years and years. Here, at times of disaster as with many other things,,, your basically
On Your Own. Public safety is of no concern to the establishment which is reflected on progress, lack of building permits and codes and standards, absolutely dangerous electrical system / 2 wired - no grounding, poor water supply - not potable, lack of school, no real manufacturing in the country, poor roads and lack of a railway system.
Though this disaster was largely Preventable no precaution over time were ever taken. Had they been this simply would have been a bad weekend.
Of course,, I could go on,, but you get the idea.