The persistent rains in Perù have caused severe floods. 12 of the 24 regions in the country are currently experiencing emergency situations. The death toll is at least 72 and over 70,000 people are without homes. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Perù, along with other local non-governmental organisations, has distributed 84,212 kilograms of first aid supplies and 31,527 kilograms of clothing, collected thanks to widespread donation calls by the local media and social media forums.
The strong and incessant rains are due to the phenomenon “El Niño” that occurs from north to south and has provoked floods and landslides. Due to this anomalous weather, creeks and streams that dried up years ago are now full. The northern section of the country is the area most affected. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes. Roads are inaccessible and some have even collapsed.
Also at risk is the bridge “Ñaña” of the main road in Lima, Perù’s capital, which was closed to traffic because of the overflowing river below it. The bridge is about six kilometers from the Universidad Peruana Unión, an Adventist institution, where lessons have been suspended for some days due to the approach of a landslide. Many hydro and power lines in the country are down.
ADRA Perù provided 36,150 liters of potable water through tanker trucks and 35,736 liters of bottled water in eight urban and rural zones in the regions of Lambayeque and Lima. They also distributed 5,300 food rations and 8,909 kilograms of food supplements to 2,900 families in distress in the districts of La Tinguiña, San Jose de Los Molinos, Chaclacayo, Chosica, Santa Eulalia, Ricardo Palma, Pimentel, Jayanca, Chiclayo, La Victoria and José Leonardo Ortiz.
The UICCA (Italian Union of Seventh-Day Christian Adventist Churches), together with ADRA Italia, will provide aid through a contribution of 10,000 euros and by supporting a project by the Peruvian Adventist humanitarian agency.
