Growing piles of rubbish and household waste along sections of the Rímac River in Lima have raised concerns among residents, who are calling for stronger waste management measures as the region prepares for rains associated with the El Niño phenomenon.
Footage recorded on Monday https://www.viory.video/en/videos/a3014_27102026/river-of-rubbish-plastic-furniture-and-construction-waste-pile-up-in-lima-s-rimac-as-residents-warn-of-pollution-and-approaching-el-nino-rains shows plastic bottles, bags, discarded furniture and construction debris accumulating along the river, particularly between the Trujillo and Dueñas bridges. In some areas, the water appears dark, raising further concerns about pollution affecting one of the Peruvian capital’s key water resources.
Local resident Eder Huyhua blamed the situation on uncontrolled dumping and what he described as a lack of public awareness about protecting the river. He also alleged that industrial discharges contribute to the pollution, citing changes in the water’s colour.
Another resident, Carlos Pérez, said the problem extends along the river’s course, identifying San Mateo as one of the areas where he believes water quality begins to deteriorate.
Pérez warned that the accumulated waste could create public health and environmental concerns, including conditions that encourage mosquitoes and rodents. He also called for greater public awareness and improved protective infrastructure, saying the pollution had persisted for decades.
The situation has drawn additional attention as rains associated with El Niño could increase the risk of flooding and river overflows in vulnerable areas. Waste and debris along waterways may complicate river management, although their presence alone does not confirm that flooding will occur or that the river channel is completely blocked.
Residents are urging stronger monitoring of waste disposal, better enforcement against illegal dumping and greater efforts to protect the Rímac River from further pollution.