Intense rainfall linked to the El Niño Costero phenomenon battered southern Peru in mid-to-late February 2026, unleashing flash floods, mudslides (huaicos), and debris flows that devastated parts of Arequipa province. The crisis began escalating around February 19, with the Chullo torrentera (ravine) overflowing and dumping thick mud, rocks, and water into urban neighborhoods. PICS/AFP  

Fresh downpours have caused further flooding, landslides, and panic in southeastern Brazil, where rescuers were still searching for 13 missing people on Thursday after a rainstorm that left 55 dead. A visual record of the tragedy from the South American country. PICS and TEXT/AFP