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Chan Chan, The largest Pre-Columbian city in South America (Photo: enjoyperu.com)

(LIP-wb) -- The Peruvian government declared an emergency for the archaeological site of Chan Chan.

The largest Pre-Columbian city in South America, Chan Chan is located in the Peruvian region of La Libertad, 5km west of Trujillo, 570 kilometers north of Lima. Covering an area of approximately 20 km², Chan Chan was constructed by the Chimor (the kingdom of the Chimú), a late intermediate period civilization which grew out of the remnants of the Moche civilization.

The vast mud city of Chan Chan was built between 850 and 1470 a.d. and was the imperial capital until Chimor was conquered by the Inca in the 15th century. It is estimated that 30,000 people lived in the city of Chan Chan.

The vast and fragile site was inscribed on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger in 1986, the same year it was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Its adobe, or earthen, structures are quickly damaged by natural erosion as they become exposed to air and rain and they require continuous conservation efforts and substantial ancillary measures.

However, these efforts have become increasingly difficult. In order to face the potential damages, Peruvian authorities today declared a state of emergency for the next 120 days during which a specific preservation plan will be developed and applied.

Chan Chan was constructed by the Chimor (the kingdom of the Chimú) (Photo: enjoyperu.com)

The government stated that the imminent appearance of another "El Niño" effect, projected to arrive at the Peruvian coast by the end of December, leaves the site exposed to natural disasters such as floods caused by overflowing rivers.

In 1998 the impact of El Niño, the warm Pacific current which affects climate world-wide, was unusually strong, leading to torrential rain and flooding. Emergency measures had to be taken, with assistance from the World Heritage Fund, to protect Chan Chan. The impact of El Niño on the site has, however, been relatively modest and the protective measures, undertaken with emergency assistance from the World Heritage Fund, were effective.

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