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Peru

Emergency aid for the people of the Andean highlands of Peru affected by unusual freezing weather in July 2004


Amount of Decision: Euro 1,900,000
Decision reference number: ECHO/PER/BUD/2004/01000

Explanatory Memorandum

1 - Rationale, needs and target population.

1.1. - Rationale:

In the high Andean regions of Central and Southern Peru, the winter season started in June with an abrupt change of temperature that mainly affected the following departments: Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, Moquegua, Puno and Tacna. In some areas, the temperatures have fallen between -25º C and -35ºC. Snow storms and cold winds caused by a polar air mass have mainly affected regions located 3,500 meters above sea level.

The Peruvian Government declared an emergency by supreme decree on 16th July (055-2004-PCM) in 26 provinces of 5 affected departments: Arequipa, Cusco, Huancavelica, Moquegua and Puno.