dig deep for the people of peru
Intrepid Travel and The Intrepid Foundation have launched an appeal to support the flood-affected people of Peru.
We are pleased to report that the Intrepid Peru Floods Appeal has already raised AU$4160 to support the response of Plan Peru in devastated communities. But with the latest news from Peru, we understand the need for help is growing each day.
The Cuzco region of Peru continues to experience further landslides nearly two weeks after the initial flooding. At 5am on 06 February there was a second landslide in the Zurite area, an area in which Plan works. This landslide was severe, bringing mud up to the second floor of Zurite’s municipal building. According to Plan Peru, no one was hurt.
Aside from Zurite, the two areas most critically affected by the flooding are Lucre and Huacarpay in the province of Quispicanchis in Cuzco. The Emergency Regional Operations Centre tells us there are 27,781 affected families, 7,353 affected homes and 4,674 homes that have been totally destroyed. The flooding and landslides have so far caused the death of at least 20 people with a further five confirmed missing.
Right now, Plan is coordinating with the local authority to support the cleanup of the Zurite area, and Plan staff have surveyed the community. Luckily, as a preventative measure, the members of the local community had all moved into emergency shelters after the first landslide on 28 January. Peruvian meteorologists have announced that seasonal rains will be very intense in February, leading to concerns for the families that are already in shelters, and others whose homes may be in danger. With further rains expected food security is still a concern.
Plan Peru maintains operations in 320 of the affected communities. Darrell Wade, Intrepid’s CEO says, “We believe Plan is in an excellent position to offer an effective and immediate response and we encourage travellers’ support for our appeal.” The Intrepid Foundation has kicked off the appeal by making a donation of AU$20,000 to Plan. Intrepid Travel will match all donations received from the public, dollar for dollar, up to another AU$20,000.*
* To a maximum of AU$5000 per individual donor.
Photo of Huacarpay © Plan
Wow, what a fantastic response to the appeal so far. On behalf of Plan, and the children and their communities in Cusco we thank everyone for their generousity. Each donation we receive will help rebuild their lives. With your support we will reach our goal of an additional $20,000 for the Peru Appeal. Thank you so much!