Flash floods in Cusco

Days of heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides in provinces of Cusco in Peru. The floods closed roads, bridges and rail lines, stranding tourists from around the world and local people in several small towns close to Cusco and the world-known Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The floods also damaged crops and has left many homeless.

Rains reached water levels not seen in the past 25 years in Cusco, 135lt/m2 accumulated in 72 hours. It is forecasted that the rains will continue to intensify for the next month. The floods damaged thousands of acres of crop land, as well as about a dozen bridges, and several highways. Around 10,000 people are currently homeless.  Peruvian authorities declared a state of emergency on 28th January.

Most of the houses in affected areas are made of adobe bricks topped with clay-tile roofs and a dirt floor, often without a latrine. Families average around 6 people. Most work is found in agriculture, growing quinoa, beans, tarwi, wheat, corn or potatoes. This usually earns a family as little as $50 a month. Many affected families already live in extreme poverty. Food insecurity is likely to be an issue for these people for several weeks or months.

The government has set up camps for those evacuated, where they are being provided with necessities such as blankets, food and clean water.

Plan is closely collaborating with the Regional Emergency Operation Committee, which includes: Regional Government, INADECI, and the ministries of Health, Transportation and Agriculture.

Plan will allocate its resources to support the most affected families in 320 communities which remain isolated because of the floods. Plan is distributing food, cooking equipment, hygiene and sanitation equipment, tents and clothing for young children. Plan is also organising psycho-social activities for children, and coordinating child protection, as well as campaigning for documentation lost in the floods to be replaced. In all of these communities Plan is continuing its usual operations.

Help us assist affected children and their families

Help us reach more children, make a donation to Plan's emergency work in the country by calling our freephone 0800 1300230 or donating online .