Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley Disaster Relief

Relentless flooding continued to cause devastation in Peru.  El Niño-like storms have drenched the nation, particularly in the north, since December, leading to catastrophic mudslides and flooding. More than 800,000 have been affected with more than 200,000 properties damaged including over 400 hospitals and clinics destroyed.  Roads and bridges have also been destroyed, making relief efforts even more difficult, and will have a devastating long-term impact on the lives of Peru’s most vulnerable populations.

In response to this crisis VIDA has made a total of nine shipments (ocean and air) carrying nearly $10 million in aid.  VIDA has also sponsored three medical missions to the most impacted areas, providing lifesaving care.  The contaminated water has resulted in a dramatic need for antibiotics and other disease prevention interventions. Our efforts have been focused on the regions of Piura, Trujillo and Chosica where VIDA is working with our partners and the government to help rebuild the healthcare infrastructure.   The government is dedicating transportation resources to transport the aid to the impacted communities and VIDA is ramping up our efforts.

To that end, VIDA is scheduled to make eight more shipments by sea to Peru over the next 12 weeks.  These shipments will contain medical supplies and equipment along with medicine.  Support of the Global Giving community will go directly to the transportation costs of these shipments.

VIDA and our beneficiaries thank you for your continued generosity.