OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Peru - Floods
21 March 2001


Floods in the Department of Puno: Government declares state of emergency

Situation

1.  Seasonal rains have caused flooding in the Department of Puno,
affecting in particular the provinces of El Collao, Chucuito, San Roman,
Puno, Huancane, prompting the authorities to declare a state of emergency
in the Department. This declaration have allowed national/local
authorities to release special funds for the emergency assistance to the
victims of this disaster.

2.  According to the Peruvian Civil Defence Institute (INDECI), the
flooding began on 1 March, when rivers in the Titicaca basin burst their
banks.  Approximately 31,500 people have been affected of which 23,000 in
the provinces of El Collao, Huancané and Puno, only. Some 2,700 houses
have been damaged.

3.  According to preliminary estimates, some 5,300 hectares of cultivated
land have been lost and some 31,500 hectares affected. Some secondary
roads have also been affected by the floodwaters.


National Response

4.  On 10 March, the President of the Republic and the Ministers of
Industry, Agriculture, Defense and the Chief of the Civil Defense
Institute (INDECI)  visited the areas affected.  A National Commission has
been established to coordinate the assistance to the victims of this
emergency.

5.  The Peruvian Civil Defense Institute (INDECI)  has been providing
assistance to the affected people with the support of the Armed Forces, in
particular the Air Force.  In order to provide rapid and appropriate
assistance to the population of Puno, an air bridge between the cities of
Lima and Juliaca has been set up. The relief supplies, sent to the
disaster area comprise family multi-purpose packages, containing sheets,
clothing, household goods, tools and water purification units.

6.  Temporary shelters are also being installed with basic services of
kitchen, latrines and medical units. 15 shelters are located in the area
of Pilcuyo, Ilave, Cachipucara, Huacullani, Pampa de Chua Chua, Vilque and
Umayo.


International assistance

7.  The Government of Peru has not requested international assistance so
far.

8.  OCHA is monitoring the situation in coordination with the United
Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in Lima.

9.  This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies
are also available on the OCHA website at http://www.reliefweb.int




Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  Mr. Erik Haegglund / Mr. Carlos Pereira / Ms. Masayo Kondo
  Direct tel: +41-22-917 32 99 / 13 83 / 19 97

Press contact:
  Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct Tel. +41-22-91726 53


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