Peru said that it is withdrawing as host of the 2016 Dakar Rally due to concerns about the El Nino weather phenomenon, a media report said.
The country's ministry of foreign trade and tourism issued a statement on Monday, saying the government was cancelling its participation in both the 2015 Desafio Inca (or Dakar Challenge), scheduled for September, and next year's rally, Xinhua reported
"Due to the impact the El Nino phenomenon may have in different parts of the country, and as a precaution of its possible effects on the population, we have decided to cancel our participation in the automotive events," the ministry said.
According to Peru's specialised El Nino commission (ENFEN), "a powerful weather event" is expected around the same time as next year's rally was set to kick off in Peru's capital Lima on January 3, before racing on to Bolivia and Argentina.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app