A rare sandstorm swept across Peru’s Ica region on Thursday afternoon, blanketing skies in dust and dramatically reducing visibility. The storm hit around 2:15 p.m., affecting towns including Santiago, Parcona, Ocucaje, Pisco, Palpa, and Nasca.
Winds stirred up a dense cloud of sand, turning day into dusk and prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. While no injuries or major damage have been reported, the public is urged to remain alert and follow official updates.
🇵🇪 | ¡Tormenta de arena devora ciudades en Perú!
— Click+ (@Click_PlusMX) August 1, 2025
Ica, Nasca y Arequipa quedaron cubiertas por una densa nube de polvo.
Las imágenes parecen sacadas de una película… pero son reales.
¡Síguenos en nuestro canal! Click+ #Perú #TormentaDeArena #Ica #Arequipa #VientosParacas… pic.twitter.com/PFVT1Eb08y
According to Senamhi, strong Paracas winds—reaching up to 40 km/h—were captured on satellite images, particularly affecting areas like Pisco and Nazca. These gusts lifted large volumes of dust into the air, reducing horizontal visibility and potentially impacting drivers, outdoor workers, and those with respiratory conditions.
Forecasts indicate that wind speeds will remain elevated through Sunday, accompanied by cloud cover, fog, and scattered drizzle along the coast. Temperatures are expected to drop, especially at night and in early mornings, intensifying the seasonal chill for coastal communities.
