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Peru - Floods Fact Sheet #1, Fiscal Year (FY) 2017

Countries
Peru
Sources
USAID
Publication date

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Flooding has affected nearly 1 million people throughout Peru
  • Substantial damage to infrastructure, including bridges and roads, continues to hinder humanitarian access to affected communities
  • Eight DoD-supported flights have transported more than 96 MT of relief assistance to flood-affected communities

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  • Widespread flooding and landslides resulting from heavy rains that began in December 2016 have affected nearly 1 million people, primarily in northwestern Peru, according to the Government of Peru (GoP). The GoP reports that the severe weather and related natural disasters have resulted in more than 100 deaths, up to 400 injuries, and displaced more than 163,000 people. As of April 5, the GoP had declared a state of emergency in 13 of Peru’s 25 regions; the most-affected areas are the northern, coastal regions of La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura, and Tumbes. The GoP is coordinating response efforts, including transporting and distributing humanitarian relief commodities in affected areas.

  • The GoP reports that floods and subsequent landslides have damaged more than 11,000 schools and destroyed eight health facilities, as well as more than 1,200 miles of highway and nearly 290 vehicular and pedestrian bridges, as of April 5.

  • In response to the flooding and landslides, USAID/OFDA deployed staff to Peru to assess the scale of humanitarian need, the extent of damages, and to coordinate the distribution of USAID/OFDA-provided humanitarian assistance. Since March 21, the U.S. Government (USG) has provided more than $2.2 million to support GoP-led flood relief efforts. USAID/OFDA partners have distributed hygiene kits and water treatment supplies to flood-affected populations in northwestern Peru. In support of USAID/OFDA’s ongoing relief efforts, DoD and State/INL continue to facilitate the air transport of humanitarian assistance and personnel to isolated regions in Peru. As of April 9, eight flights have carried approximately 96 metric tons (MT) of relief supplies to Piura Region and Chiclayo City, Lambayeque region.

  • On April 10, the UN launched a flash appeal for $38.3 million to assist flood-affected communities along the northern, coastal areas of Peru