Nature has backfired again as torrential rains flooded the city of Lima in Peru and parts of northern Peru due to the occurrence of El Nino, a man-made shift in the normal climate bringing in extreme heat or rain. The phenomenon was already felt at the start of the year, but the onslaught of rains started on March 11, bringing in mudslides and flood even on cities. Thousands of residents are already displaced and there is a need to address health issues, food, and water, on which the local government is striving to provide.

A state of emergency has been declared in different areas in Peru with 75 casualties already recorded according to reports from ReliefWeb. As thousands were affected by the flood, the incident was the worst that ever happened after 20 years as roads were also damaged due to the excessive overflowing of rivers. Water pipes have crashed and agricultural lands did not survive either, resulting in water and food shortage.

On Monday, the Chilean Air Force brought in humanitarian assistance from Chile consisting of 18 tons of potable water, food and basic necessities as reported by Latin American Herald Tribune. The donations were handed out by the Chilean military in charge to Peruvian Foreign Minister, Ricardo Luna, while the team will be staying in Peru to help out in the ongoing rescue operations. The Ambassador of Chile in Lima, Roberto Ibarra have also declared an additional of 1,000 food kits, 1,000 bathroom kits, 3,000 blankets, 3,000 mosquito nets and 2,000 igloo-shaped tents which can take in six people.

Nearby Latin countries have also pledged their help to the victims of the massive flood, among them were Ecuador and Colombia. Colombia has already extended their help and has brought in two rescue helicopters to support the ongoing rescue operations of the local government, while Ecuador distributed 3,000 packs of food bundle good for three meals. Paraguay has also committed to donating 10 tons of rice to Peru this week, along with 1,000 grooming and cleaning kits.

The Peruvian government is now accepting donations through posts installed in its cities, while an ACT Alliance response was constructed to observe and take note the kind of help a specific area needs. Unfortunately, El Nino phenomenon will extend until April and will continue to bring unprecedented rains, reaching the middle and lower areas of Peru.

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