Peru’s government continues to make preparations for the likely arrival of El Niño on the country’s coast, later this year.

The Ministry of Environment has published a report identifying the country’s most vulnerable regions, and estimated that 14 departments could be affected by the weather phenomenon.

According to the analysis, 40 percent of Cajamarca, Huancavelica, and Cusco’s territory has a very high risk of mudslides, while 60 percent of the regions of Huánuco, Moquegua, and Pasco, have a high risk.

Meanwhile, Lima, Ica, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura, Tacna, Puno, Tumbes, would have a hisk risk of flooding.

“A significant number of homes, schools and hospitals, in the regions mentioned, may be damaged or lost in its entirety because of their inappropriate location,” the ministry warned.

Last week the U.S. Climate Prediction Center said anomalies in June’s oceanic heat content “reflect a likely progression towards El Niño.”

Previously, President Ollanta Humala assured the country the government would take all necessary precautions and be prepared for a potential arrival of El Niño on Peru’s coast.

"Hopefully there isn’t one, but if El Niño comes, we are already taking action with regional governments, and local civil defense to see the river defenses, review bridges, and monitor climate change," Humala said.

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