UN, humanitarian partners to launch $40M appeal for flood-hit Peru

The funds will be used to assist more than 400,000 people battling high waters and landslides from rains that began in early March.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the priority areas covered by the appeal include shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, food and early recovery.

More than 2.5 million people are susceptible to new landslides and vector-borne disease.

Flooding is also reported in neighbouring Colombia, where three rivers surrounding the southern city of Mocoa overflowed, flattening homes and bridges.

Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported earlier this week that the floods continue to put the lives of thousands of children in danger. UNICEF Peru is supporting the Government to protect those affected.

In a situation report , the agency said the northern department of Piura has been worst hit by the natural disaster and continues to be pounded with rain. The Government declared a National State of Emergency for Piura on 29 March, calling on the international community to offer assistance.

The numbers of those affected is rising and is expected to continue to do so over the coming weeks. Around two million children remain out of school, putting their education and protection at risk.

Photo: Mónica Suarez Galindo/UNDP Peru

Source: www.justearthnews.com