Early warning system helps Peru build back better
The coastal El Niño of 2017 caused devastating damage from flooding, mudslides and landslides across Northern Peru. A long-term government-to-government agreement between Peru and the United Kingdom was put in place to ensure that the reconstruction created lasting resilience to local communities.
As part of this wide-ranging programme, HR Wallingford was a key delivery partner for the national flood and landslide early warning system. The national early warning system will help protect 16 million people living in high risk areas, safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
Working as part of the UK delivery team (led by Arup, Mace and Gleeds) we were enabling technology transfer to Peru by applying our extensive knowledge of forecasting, early warning systems, and international best practice to provide technical assurance to the Peruvian Authority for Reconstruction with Change (ARCC), and subsequently the National Infrastructure Authority (ANIN).
Our work on this initiative covered risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, warning dissemination, and public awareness raising. Our team was instrumental in the procurement stage of the early warning system reviewing design submissions alongside holding workshops to discuss key components, and meeting with the contractor.
We also supported the government during the implementation stage, by providing assurance for the design of systems at catchment level and implementation of the initial phase of the national system.
HR Wallingford also provided technical assurance for the integrated flood risk catchment management plans for several catchments in Peru, which involved reviewing and providing quality assessment for the hydrological studies, hydraulic modelling and planned interventions. We also supported the development of the master plan for flood protection and sediment management in the catchment of the Piura river and provided hydraulic, sediment and GIS modelling.
Contact our project lead
Emma Brown
