With a number of World Vision Area Development Programs (ADPs) affected by cold weather in Peru, World Vision has begun distributing blankets to rural communities in Cusco.
One thousand blankets are being distributed to families from projects in Cusipata, Calca, and Lamay.

The National Meteorology Service (SENAMHI) says the cold winds and snow in the high mountain regions of Peru will persist. In recent days, the worst-affected areas have experienced temperatures as low as minus-9.5=AAC, in Apurimac. The number of respiratory infections among children has increased, and the Ministry of Health reports that the number of deaths due to the cold is now 46 nationwide.

In Cusco, communities like Chillihuani, 4,000 metres above sea level, are feeling the toll.

"Children have to walk to school over the frozen pasture, while men have to clean about 75cm of snow from their homes," said a nurse from the local health centre.

She said medicines had been sent by the Ministry of Health to help them, but if the cold persists they may need more.

"Our most urgent needs are clothing, socks, warm sweaters and boots for children," she said.

For the time being, World Vision is sending additional medicines to help the community, Calca ADP reports.

An evaluation of the situation began last week, and WV Peru is responding to the ADPs' immediate needs. If the situation worsens, the national PER coordinator will look for funds to deliver more help to those affected.

"However, the long-term solution includes a mitigation project for communities located in the area," said Jose Luis Ochoa, national PER coordinator. "World Vision has formulated a project together with other agencies in the zone. Our goal is to decrease the vulnerability in those affected communities, which will probably suffer the same cold winter next year."

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