AGP Executive Report

Earthquakes & Emergency Response: A strong 6.7 quake hit Peru’s southern Andes near Ayacucho, with reports of injuries and damage to homes, health centers and a school; authorities urged residents to watch for aftershocks while teams assessed roads and buildings. Landslides & Evacuations: In Arequipa, heavy rains and landslides have kept parts of the Southern Pan-American Highway blocked for days, but Peru’s president said an air bridge and helicopter flights are moving people and that at least part of the highway should reopen soon, prioritizing passenger transport. Archaeology in Lima: Peru’s Culture Ministry says human remains were found at Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores, including an adult “offering” dated to about 650 AD, with shells, fish bones, birds and ceramics around the body. China-Peru Research Deal: Chinese and Peruvian institutions signed agreements to launch the first joint archaeological project in South America focused on the Caral civilization. Mining & Supply Chain: Las Bambas in Peru temporarily suspended operations after a workplace accident, while the copper supply outlook remains sensitive to disruptions. Culture & Youth Trends: “Aura farming” battles continue spreading across Latin America, including Peru, as social-media memes move into real-life street events.

Earthquake Watch: A 6.7-magnitude quake hit Peru’s southern Andes near Coracora/Upahuacho, injuring at least two and damaging homes, schools, and health centers; Peru’s Navy said there’s no tsunami risk while authorities urged vigilance nationwide. Disaster Response: President Fujimori said landslides still block roads and announced an “air bridge” using helicopters plus sea transport for people stranded in Arequipa’s Atico area. Archaeology in Lima: Excavators at Huaca Pucllana found human remains near an ancient underground canal, with researchers studying whether the burial was part of a ritual. Climate & Fisheries: UK forecasters warn El Niño could be the strongest on record, while Peru’s PRODUCE canceled the North-Central anchovy season after warm ocean conditions left too many juveniles. Culture & Travel: Peru’s northern coast surf towns Órganos and Máncora are being promoted for world-class waves that line up with humpback whale season. Sports/Regional: Peru’s presence in international football scheduling continues as Nations League plans reshape matchups across the Americas.

Earthquake Response: A powerful 6.7-magnitude quake struck southern Peru near Upahuacho, with Peru’s Geophysical Institute later putting it at 7.2; authorities reported at least two injuries and damage to homes, health centers and schools, while the Navy ruled out tsunami risk and emergency teams moved to Ayacucho towns like Coracora and Puquio. Mining Push: Peru’s new Fujimori administration says it expects at least $33 billion in mining investment over five years, aiming to speed approvals by cutting delays and overlapping procedures while keeping environmental and social standards. Telecom Leadership: Osiptel reinstated Rafael Muente Schwarz as head of Peru’s telecoms watchdog after a court reduced his dismissal to a seven-month suspension without pay, letting him resume immediately. Trade & Policy: The government also plans to advance a Peru-Hong Kong free-trade agreement and roll out its 2026–2031 policy priorities, including disaster preparedness tied to El Niño risks. Regional Outlook: ECLAC trimmed its 2026 growth forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2.2%, warning the pace is too slow to sustainably raise incomes.

Earthquake Watch (Peru): A magnitude 6.7 quake struck Peru’s southern Andes near Upahuacho, shaking regions including Ica, Arequipa, Cusco and even Lima; authorities initially reported no major damage, while Peru’s Geophysical Institute put the quake at 7.2 and said it hit at about 108 km depth. Aftershock & Damage Checks: In Coracora (Ayacucho), officials said people evacuated and at least two were injured, with damage reported to homes, health centers and a school, while the Peruvian Navy ruled out tsunami risk. Government Response: Peru’s new administration said it will prioritize disaster risk reduction tied to El Niño, and officials are monitoring vulnerable areas as teams assess infrastructure. Trade & Policy: Prime Minister Luis Galarreta pledged to bring Peru’s free-trade deal with Hong Kong into force in 2026, positioning the country as a bridge between South America and the Asia-Pacific. UN Diplomacy: UN secretary-general candidate Ivonne Baki called for Security Council reform, arguing the current structure fuels deadlock. Human Interest: A Peruvian street dog rescue story—Paddington—continues to go viral after being reunited with his owner in the UK.

El Niño Response: The U.S. plans to send the hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru’s Pacific coast in February 2027 to help Lima and other regions prepare for El Niño’s peak impacts, after talks between U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro and Peru’s Foreign Minister Carlos Espá. Mining Safety: Peru’s labor inspectorate Sunafil is investigating a fatal accident at the Las Bambas copper mine in Apurímac, where two workers died during maintenance and operations were temporarily suspended before a gradual restart. Archaeology in Lima: Excavations at Huaca Pucllana uncovered skeletal remains of an adult believed to be a ritual offering over 1,300 years old, along with ceramic finds. Scholarship Protest: PRONABEC scholarship recipients in Lima staged a sit-in demanding changes after a directive threatens sanctions, delays, or expulsion. Press Freedom Warning: Peru’s National Association of Journalists says a proposed bill could criminalize “apology” during crises and chill journalism. Health Alert: PAHO warns measles cases across the Americas are at their highest level in over two decades, urging stronger vaccination and surveillance, with Peru among the affected countries.

El Niño & Disasters: Heavy rains tied to El Niño flooded homes and disrupted access to Machu Picchu, with authorities closing the Inca Trail until Aug. 22 and shutting roads from landslides, including in Lima and southern regions like Arequipa and Moquegua. U.S.-Peru Cooperation: The U.S. will send the military hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru’s Pacific coast in February 2027 as part of a broader roadmap with Peru to prevent, mitigate and respond to El Niño impacts. Archaeology in Lima: Excavators at Huaca Pucllana unveiled skeletal remains of a man believed to have been buried as an offering, possibly linked to a ritual involving a canal and ceremonial pool. Tourism Update: Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca Trail access remains suspended due to heavy rains and debris.

Defense & Security: Peru has selected L3Harris’ Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for its future F-16 Block 70 fleet, with an initial U.S.-approved package covering 12 jets and boosting protection against radar-guided threats. Archaeology & Culture: Archaeologists in Lima say they found 1,400-year-old skeletal remains at Huaca Pucllana, believed to be a ritual offering tied to a canal sealing. Tourism Disruption: Peru’s Culture Ministry temporarily suspended access to the Inca Trail network to Machu Picchu after heavy rains triggered landslides, flooding, and damaged facilities, with some visitors ordered to return via alternate routes. Infrastructure & Industry: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries launched the Peruvian Navy’s amphibious support ship BAP Chimbote at SIMA, the first co-built naval vessel overseas under a new local production model. Energy & Economy: Peru’s oil output shortfall is driving heavy reliance on imports, highlighting vulnerability to global price swings. Mining & Exploration: PPX Mining received environmental approval for a major 10,315-meter drilling program at the Igor Project in Portachuelos.

Fuel-Price Protests in Peru: Peru’s newly inaugurated President Keiko Fujimori is facing early unrest as transport workers strike and block roads over soaring fuel prices, tied to a domestic diesel and gasoline supply crunch and wider regional shocks. Archaeology in Lima: Excavations at Huaca Pucllana uncovered about 1,400-year-old skeletal remains believed to be a ritual offering, with a ceramic snake’s head found near the burial channel. Human Security & Crime: Peru and the U.S. are expanding cooperation on security tech and infrastructure, including border and police upgrades, prison improvements, and stricter procurement and data rules for companies. Pope Visit Prep: Vatican-linked bishops took part in a Pachamama ritual in Cusco ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Peru trip, reigniting debate over Catholic-indigenous practice lines. Gold Market Watch: Ghana jumped to the world’s No. 6 gold producer, overtaking the U.S., while Peru remains among the top producers. El Niño Disruption: An Andes border crossing between Argentina and Chile reopened after 34 days of closure from heavy snow and winds, with experts warning of broader El Niño impacts including possible flooding in Peru.

Violence in Northern Peru: Peruvian lawyer Helenn Giulianna Silva Padilla, 44, was shot dead at a roadside restaurant in Pacasmayo, San Martín de Porres (San José), as witnesses watched; police say a masked gunman fled on a motorbike and investigators are probing a possible former-client motive. Disaster Response: Peru’s government says it will declare an emergency in districts and regions hit by heavy rains, with Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde set to monitor Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna, and Agrarian Development chief Marco Vinelli handling central areas. Flooding in Lima: Torrential rain has triggered flash floods across Peru’s capital, adding pressure to emergency services. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Gilat Perú won a $14 million Works for Taxes contract to expand Ayacucho fiber-optic broadband, targeting 273 public institutions (schools and health centers) across 109 localities. Trade & Logistics: Chancay Port (Cosco) reported 200,000 TEU container throughput in H1 2026, up 70.94% year-on-year, alongside strong cargo and vessel-call growth. Cultural Heritage: Canada’s RCMP helped return a 2,000-year-old Nasca-style bowl from a Montreal auction house to Peru under UNESCO rules.

Flood Emergency in Peru: President Keiko Fujimori declared an “emergency” in parts of Lima and multiple regions after severe flooding damaged homes, overwhelmed drainage, disrupted traffic, and forced evacuations, with no reported loss of life. Amazon Mining Crackdown: The Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos issued an urgent appeal over a sharp rise in illegal mining in the Nanay River basin, warning it threatens drinking water for hundreds of thousands and Indigenous communities. Aviation Competition Watch: Peru’s competition authority Indecopi approved Abra Group’s acquisition of SKY Airline with conditions, limiting non-compete clauses to protect route competition. El Niño and Quake Fears: Experts warned El Niño could intensify weather impacts on Peru, while renewed seismic concerns point to the risk of a major quake off Peru’s central coast. Peru in the Spotlight: A Peruvian nursing student joined a Cusco-area study abroad health mission, delivering screenings and care in rural and urban communities.

El Niño & Fisheries: NASA flagged a drop in phytoplankton in Peru’s Pacific waters tied to El Niño, warning of knock-on effects for the marine food chain and fishing, as Peru also moves to suspend anchovy extraction in key zones. Mining & Peru’s Economy: Rio2 reported strong Q2 output, with its Condestable copper-gold-silver mine in Peru producing about 9.29 million pounds of copper plus gold and silver. Sports (Lima): The Lima Judo Grand Prix wrapped with Peru’s event spotlighting new medal moments, including a bronze for Raz Hershko in the -78kg category. Culture & Heritage: A Locarno Film Festival entry, “Far from the Trees,” follows a sound artist mapping endangered languages across Peru, using audio to preserve what history and exile have threatened. Travel & Food: Peru’s yuca fritters get a spotlight as a must-try snack, while a reforestation drone project in the Peruvian Amazon is dropping seed balls to help restore damaged land. Global Spotlight: Korea Eximbank approved $1b for Glencore to secure copper supplies, with Peru among key sources.

El Niño’s Marine Hit: NASA says phytoplankton has dropped in the eastern Pacific, with knock-on effects for the food chain and fishing; Peru’s production ministry already suspended anchovy extraction in its north-central zone. Amazon Restoration Push: Reforestation drones from Flying Forests dropped 20,000 seed balls in Peru’s Amazon, aiming to restore damaged land with precise, clay-pellet direct seeding. Peru’s Earthquake Readiness: Peru rehearsed its response to a feared magnitude 8.8 quake off Lima and Callao after regional disasters. Machu Picchu Pressure: Peru’s comptroller warned about visitor overload at Machu Picchu. Culture Spotlight: A photographic exhibition, “The Great Inca Trail. Peru: Inclusion and Diversity,” opened at the National Archaeological Museum, marking Peru’s independence anniversary with the Qhapaq Ñan story. Sports & Judo: Radu Izvoreanu won gold at the Lima Grand Prix, beating Denis Vieru in the 66 kg final. Local Real Estate: A single-family home in Peru sold for $240,000.

Peru Earthquake Preparedness: Peru held an 8.8 quake simulation drill in Lima and Callao after disasters in neighboring countries, with President Keiko Fujimori leading the exercise from Plaza Mayor. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Peru’s military launched “Operation Mercury 2,” burning and detonating equipment at illegal gold mining camps inside the Tambopata area of the Amazon, with women and a child escorted for questioning. Pope Leo XIV in Peru: The Vatican announced Pope Leo XIV’s first South America apostolic visit (Nov. 6–17), including stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa. Fuel Price Pressure: Peru moved to temporarily subsidize transport fuel after a record price surge, as protests and political pressure continue. Local Sports Spotlight: The Lima Grand Prix continued drawing crowds at Videna, with Peru’s judo stars meeting fans and competing across multiple weight categories. Regional Context: Colombia’s earthquake recovery continues as rescuers report signs of life while rebuilding ramps up.

Peru Economy: Peru’s growth slowed to 1.75% in June year-on-year, down from May as El Niño continued to hit sectors like fishing. Disaster Preparedness: President Keiko Fujimori led Peru’s second national multi-hazard drill, simulating a possible 8.8 quake off Lima and Callao and urging citizens to be ready with emergency supplies and clear school evacuation plans. Climate Watch: NOAA warns El Niño has a 95% chance of becoming very strong by late 2026, raising risks for rainfall, farming, and food supplies across Latin America. Seismic Context: Peru is bracing after recent major quake activity in the region, including Colombia’s deadly earthquake response. Global Culture: India’s Suryapath Tiranga flag relay wrapped up across 54 countries, including a stop at the Indian Embassy in Lima, Peru, as part of India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations.

Fuel Relief: Peru will temporarily subsidize fuel for freight and passenger transporters for three months after record price surges sparked protests, with support set at 15%–20% depending on prices. Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake search continues with reports of apparent signs of life under rubble, while rebuilding ramps up after widespread damage to homes, schools, and hospitals. Foreign Relations: Peru and Venezuela move to resume consular services, with Peru’s consul mission in Caracas set to reopen Sept. 1 and both sides stressing help for their communities. Legal Update: Peru’s justice system annulled the 15-year prison sentence and arrest warrant tied to former first lady Nadine Heredia, extending a prior ruling that cleared her case path. Security & Defense: Peru plans to buy a second batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 jets (24 total), and the U.S. says it will expand land strikes against drug traffickers with Latin American partners. Environment & Risk: Peru rehearsed a possible magnitude 8.8 quake scenario off Lima and Callao, and officials warn El Niño could bring severe heat and rain.

Peru Security & Defense: Peru plans to buy a second batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 jets, aiming for 24 total to maintain “minimum deterrence,” with the first contract signed in April 2026. Amazon Crackdown: The Peruvian Navy launched a major operation against illegal gold mining in the Madre de Dios Amazon reserve, destroying equipment and camps after miners fled. El Niño Preparedness: Peru declared an emergency in 607 districts over potential El Niño-related water shortages, while officials prepare for tough heat and rain. Pope Visit Logistics: The government declared Pope Leo XIV’s Nov. 11–17 visit a matter of national interest, setting up a high-level commission and easing customs for goods. Machu Picchu Watch: Peru’s comptroller warned about visitor overload at Machu Picchu. Health & Community: OSF HealthCare welcomed pain specialist Daniel McKee to its Peru clinic, and Shriners Children announced a new partnership with The Panama Clinic to expand specialized pediatric care in Panama. Culture & Sports: Miss Peru 2026 Luren Márquez was dethroned ahead of Miss Universe 2026, and Peru’s Sacred Valley drew international attention via a Sedona MUFON series on Sept. 13.