More heavy rains cause severe flooding in Peru
Heavy, sustained rainfall has caused more suffering for children in Peru.
Torrential rains lasting over 24 hours caused rivers to overflow their banks, flooding homes, destroying crops and claiming at least four lives. These deaths are in addition to the 20 lives already claimed by flash floods and landslides since the rainy season began.
In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Vilcanota River destroyed a number of homes, especially in Coya, where Plan has worked for more than a decade.
The Kersermayo River overflowed its banks in the middle of the night, sending families scrambling from their beds to safety. As many as 80% of homes are damaged.
Lives lost
Flooding and landslides have claimed 31 lives in southern Peru and neighboring Bolivia since the rains started with the number of dead expected to rise. Thousands of families have suffered damage to homes, crops and livelihoods.
The Kersermayo River also destroyed a key bridge on the main road between Cusco and the flooded areas, so assistance must arrive via an alternate route through the mountains.
Plan is helping
Plan is responding with emergency aid to affected families, including shelter, food, warm clothes for the children, mobile health clinics, and psychosocial support. Plan is a member of the Regional Emergency Operation Committee and is collaborating with other responding agencies to provide aid to children and families.
In Plan’s approach to disaster relief and recovery, children are at the center. Support centers in Peru are receiving an average of 40 to 70 children who participate in activities in music, painting, drawing and puppetry that are performed in coordination with psychologists to help children regain a sense of normalcy. Plan is also helping to train teachers in educational institutions that have been affected in care of children in emergencies and emergency curriculum.
Donate today to help provide immediate relief to children and families affected by disasters.
Learn more about Plan's response to flooding in Peru
Information for sponsors
We will contact sponsors directly if we receive any news about individual sponsored children. If you are planning a visit or have any questions, please contact our Donor Relations staff at 1-800-556-7918.
