Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Puno (Agenzia Fides) – More than 300 families in the areas of higher altitude in San Antonio de Esquilache, province of Puno, received donations from Caritas because of the cold that does not abandon the southern Peruvian Andes. These families received clothing, blankets, food, and some medicine.
The priority for the deliveries were families with children under five years and the elderly. With this help, they are trying to help the residents of the area which has been experiencing very low temperatures.
The note sent to the Fides agency reports that the rural communities that have received aid are: Komerucho, Cruzan, and the central part of San Jose de Cachipascana, who were grateful for the support provided by Caritas Puno, seeing as the regional authorities and local government had forgotten about them, said Edilfonso Ticona Aldude, a resident of the area.
Peru has declared a state of emergency in 16 of the 25 regions into which the Peruvian territory is divided. The cold weather has caused several deaths and severe property damage. The wave is characterized by freezing temperatures reaching 23 degrees below zero in some areas of the southern region of Puno bordering Bolivia. (See Fides 27/07/2010)
A representative of Caritas Puno, Albania Bellota, said that this type of aid will continue in other locations in the region of Puno and August 17-18, there will be a similar aid delivery in rural communities of the province of Lampa, including the District of Cabanillas, which is located at over 4,000 meters above sea level, where low temperatures are unbearable, she said. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 08/12/2010)
