A multidisciplinary study proposal for the coastal hazard assessment of the Libertad Region littoral area, Perú

The littoral area of the Libertad Region (Perú) shows hydrological and coastal risks that require an urgent hazard assessment as a base for future action in the area. This region is characterized by its environmental vulnerability to natural events (El Niño - La Niña) and to the impact of man activities such as urbanization, industrialization, irrigation and hydraulic projects. The objective of this work is to define coastal hazards associated to beach erosion and floods. Different areas have been analysed in which the influence of extreme events can generate disasters with negative impacts on the social and economic activities. The areas of Pacasamayo, Huanchaco, Buenos Aires and Las Delicias were selected as representative of coastal hazard on the fishery industry, on the archaeology and on the surface and ground water resources. The main natural hazards to be evaluated in the Libertad Region are: the magnitude and frequency of floods by the Moche River, their destructive aspects, their intensity, the size of the area affected and, most important, the negative impact on the population and on the local economy of the urban area of Trujillo.