"More than 500 homes were 'severely affected' after the violent flood of the El Chullo river, which occurred after heavy rains in Arequipa. According to a preliminary report from the Municipal Government of Arequipa, over 1,500 residents were affected in areas such as Cerro Colorado, Cayma, Cercado, and especially Yanahuara, which was one of the worst-hit areas. Footage filmed on Friday shows severe damage to streets caused by strong currents, which dragged stones and mud. Residents can be seen cleaning their homes using shovels and buckets for assistance. The municipality of Arequipa has deployed heavy machinery to critical areas, such as the Flora Tristan neighbourhood, Chullo Street in Yanahuara and Las Orquideas. Backhoes and trucks are working with crews to remove mud that, in some cases, reaches up to one metre in height inside homes. Although many homes are located in the torrent channel, damage has also been reported several blocks away due to the force of the flow. "This had never happened in so many years that we have lived here; it has never happened. It is something unheard of," said Emma Rojas, a local farmer. The forecast from the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (Senamhi) warns that rains will continue in the coming days. In a meeting held with district mayors and first-response agencies such as the Armed Forces, Police, Serenazgo, Firefighters and Red Cross, it was agreed to push for declaring Arequipa an emergency zone with an additional budget. Likewise, the presence of Peru's new interim president, Jose Maria Balcazar, who took office on Wednesday, has been requested to witness the extent of the disaster."