Press Releases |
URGENT STATE OF EMERGENCY IN PERU
01/27/2010 19:27
Flood Waters
Ravaging Peru
Tourist Attractions of Machu Picchu & Cusco Hardest Hit
2Feb2010 - GMR's February mission to Peru will most likely divert from a teaching mission to a humanitarian mission as heavy rains have caused massive flooding affecting thousands of people and stranding several hundred tourists. The government of Peru has declared a state of emergency for 60 days in two southeast provinces due to heavy rains. The region has suffered flash floods, landslides and flooding that have closed roads, bridges and railways.
This disaster covers the provinces of Cusco and Apurimac, and their towns of Calca, Cusco City, Urubamba, Canchis Quispicanchi, and Anta. Included in affected areas are Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu Pueblo. The U.S. Embassy has sent field teams to Aguas Calientes, where many tourists are stranded; to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, where tourists who are being evacuated from the area of Machu Picchu are arriving; and to Cusco, to assist American citizens who are stranded there. The road from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is open and transportation is being provided to the evacuees.
GMR has been in contact with officials in the area to determine what is needed in the form of outside help. We ask that if you would like to help out, please follow our link to our donation page. All cash donations collected between now and our February 8 departure will go directly to those in need within the region.
