Peru: Extreme Weather Patterns Threaten Vulnerable Communities, ADRA Responds

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is assisting families in Peru’s southeastern region, who have been enduring harsh weather conditions during this year’s first quarter. The region has been severely affected by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds, leading to the overflow of rivers and landslides. Below-freezing temperatures have followed this rainy season, which has triggered the threat of frostbite to vulnerable residents, amongst them children and the elderly.

ADRA is delivering blankets to an estimated 700 families affected by the cold spell in the District of Velille. The blankets will serve as a protective barrier against the cold, with priority given to children, elderly, and families living in higher-altitude areas. In total, ADRA will be distributing approximately 1,400 blankets to its beneficiaries, equating to two blankets per family. ADRA’s 12-day intervention will complement aid distributed by local government institutions that are also responding to the current situation.

Velille District is housed in the Chumbivilcas province of Peru and is considered one of the poorest regions in the country. Velille is home to approximately 8,000 people, with approximately a quarter of the population under the age of five.

This response has been funded in part by ADRA International, and ADRA’s South American Division office in the amount of $20,000.