Globalteer

The situation in Cusco, Peru after the devastating floods of January 2010:

Updated 9th February 2010
Cusco province in Peru has been hit by torrential rainfall causing flooding and landslides. Rivers have overflowed their banks and mudslides have destroyed countless homes.

Although the number of homeless has reduced due to families returning to damaged homes, the number is still at least 10,000 homeless living in makeshift tents in the villages around Cusco. With more rainfall predicted in the area the lives of those affected is in urgent need of continued support.

Globalteer has been working in the village of Zurite where a landslide destroyed or damaged countless homes as well as the village school. Plan International have been working tirelessly to provide tents, food, water as well as provide the unique needs of children during such a disaster.

Thanks to your donations, Globalteer has so far provided blankets, food and games for the children affected. With each delivery we take local and international volunteers who work with the children to assist with their psychological recovery. We have now partnered with a team of local councillors who work with the children to help them deal with their circumstances.

Globalteer has also taken children from the orphanges in Cusco back to their home villages so they can visit their family members affected by the disaster. With the lack of communications in the villages, this is the only way the children get to know that their grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins are fine.

Updated 9th February 2010
Cusco province in Peru has been hit by torrential rainfall causing flooding and landslides. Rivers have overflowed their banks and mudslides have destroyed countless homes.

The latest figures by the National Institute for Civil Defence states that 23,445 people have been left homeless and 37,375 people have lost part of their property. More than 16,000 hectares of crops have been damaged, the situation could get worse if assistance is not delivered soon.

Globalteer has delivered support to some of those now left homeless and living in tented villages. Most will not be leaving their new makeshift homes for quite some time due to the extent of the devastation. With your donations, Globalteer wish to deliver the immediate needs for those left vulnerable and homeless.

Up to 15 people are living in each tent so additional shelter is required. Blankets and warm clothing are needed along with drinking water and food aid. The village Globalteer visited yesterday was hit by a huge landslide destroying homes and the village school. We wish to assist the children of the village not only in the short term but until they are able to get their lives back together.

There are few problems in the city of Cusco itself and all the projects and children Globalteer currently work with are fine. The emergency exists in the many villages surrounding Cusco where flooded rivers, landslides and torrential rain has washed away homes and infrastructure.

Destroyed homes - The heavy rains, floods and landslides have  made 23,000 people homeless.

Psychological Issues - The loss of your home, all belongings and now living under plastic with little sight of a solution causes many issues for those affected.

Loss of crops - Many of the villages are farming communities, the floods have destroyed more than 16,000 hectares of crops.

Increased prices - With so much of the food stocks ruined in the area, there will be inevitable price rises, something the poorest can ill afford.

Disease - Flooding can contaminate water supplies leading to disease.

As a consequence of the floods and landslides in Cusco, Globalteer is launching a special appeal to all our friends. The children and families from the villages have been most affected by the flood due to their proximity to rivers and mountains and because their homes are built from mud bricks which are very vulnerable to persistent and heavy flooding.

Globalteer staff and volunteers are on the ground now and will be working very hard over the next few months and your help is requested by providing the funds to support those most affected by the floods.

Just £6 or US$10 will buy:
2 blankets to keep a family warm. 150 loaves of bread.
35 kilos of apples.

Every little helps so please don't think that a small amount won't make a difference to someone with nothing. 100% of all donations received through this appeal will go directly to support the Peruvian families affected by the disaster supported by Globalteer staff, local and international volunteers.

Please donate now by clicking on the link below and selecting 'Donation / Sponsorship' and 'Cusco Flood Appeal'.