Rivers have flooded and bridges collapsed throughout the area around Cusco, whilst landslides have destroyed 7,000 homes and thousands of hectares of crops.
Relatively few people have been killed but many watched as their homes slid into the river.
The government is providing shelter in schools for most of the homeless, but many people are without food and medical provision.
“The government is providing shelter… but people are without food and medical provision.”
Scott writes, “So far we learn that 20 people have died and up to 70,000 people made homeless due to the floods and landslides.
“Thanks for organising the grant for immediate relief for Cusco. We have identified two communities in the Sacred Valley (90 minutes from Cusco city) – Yucay and Calca; between them they have over 100 homeless families.
“In Yucay each family is sleeping in their own tent (very cold at night
in the mountains here) and in Calca 50 or so families are all sleeping
together in a school.
“Yesterday
(31 January), with some men from church, I drove out some milk, water
and dry goods and talk[ed] with the community leaders [to find out what
needs they have].
“We [now] plan to visit these two communities on a weekly basis, taking out supplies and hopefully running some activities with the children there.
“Many thanks for helping us provide immediate relief.
“Rebuilding will
not be able to start for quite a few months until after the rainy season
and liaison with the government about provision of more suitable land
for these communities.”
“Thanks for organising the grant for immediate relief for
Cusco.
We plan to visit these communities on a weekly basis taking out
supplies.”
All photos:
Scott Williamson