1. Brief description of the emergency and impact

Last weekend heavy rains in the mountains near to Lima triggered a series of flash floods which have hit the small cities of Chosica, Ricardo Palma and Chaclacayo, 27 to 42 kms west of Lima, the capital city. Due the erosion on the slopes of the mountains, the strong streams dragged mud and stones, destroying houses, drinking water systems and drainages, roads, electricity supply and leaving this area isolated due the mud flooding, the sewages leaking, the debris, gullies and the stones in the roads. At the moment the Health Ministry reports one person death, 31 injured, 4260 affected 1,730 in shelters, 540 houses destroyed and 680 houses semi destroyed. This area is one of the most affected by poverty and desertification.