Torrential rains pummeled Peru in late March, causing widespread flooding, devastating landslides, and massive destruction throughout the country. More than 70 people have died and 600,000 have seen their homes demolished or damaged, according to the United Nations. PIH and our Peruvian sister organization, Socios En Salud, are on the ground responding with supplies and urgent health care for those most in need now and for the long-term.
Peru has experienced one of the heaviest rainy seasons in decades, leading to disastrous flooding and landslides. Hundreds of thousands have lost their homes. Farmers have lost their crops and livestock. Lima's supply of potable water was cut off for nearly a week for 70% of the city, and mudslides continue to endanger the supply. Water and food insecurity, loss of infrastructure, and the threat of infectious disease spreading from standing water all present new, chronic challenges for Peru.
PIH has been working in Peru for 20 years, providing medical care at 12 health posts in the slums of Lima to those who otherwise would not have access to care, and offering social support to patients, from food baskets, to transportation, to lodging. In the aftermath of the flooding, PIH is operating mobile clinics to treat those injured, and will offer social supports to those who suffered losses in the disaster. Our health centers will be ready for an uptick in waterborne infectious diseases
PIH is providing urgent care across our 12 health posts and in mobile clinics, reducing tragedy and devastating long-term impact for families on the outskirts of Lima. In addition to medical care, PIH will increase social and economic support programs, as the effects of the flooding create and exacerbate problems like homelessness, loss of crops, malnutrition, waterborne illness, and damaged infrastructure.
