Peru // Flood Relief Initiative

An abnormal El Nino caused sudden and abnormal warming of the waters off the coast of Peru, leading to 10 times more rain in 2017 than average. From the capital, Lima, to the northern Peruvian regions, these devastating downpours destroyed crops, leveled bridges, and washed out roads, killing 72 people and leaving over 70,000 people homeless. The vast majority of people affected were the poor, including many who live in makeshift homes on floodplains that had been dry for 20 years. The dramatic change in weather severely damaged their infrastructure and compromised what little resources they had.

Waves For Water launched a comprehensive clean water disaster relief initiative in response. Through working with a member of our Courier program and local partners, we reached 2,100 people in the first critical days, implementing our portable water filtration systems in the hardest hit areas. With a primary focus on impacting community centers and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps we were able to reach highly concentrated populations and maximized our impact.

We are intimately aware that this disaster exacerbated a preexisting situation in many of the affected areas. With the capacity built with our local partners and our highly effective long-term program, we are looking to continue the important work of providing access to clean water in this in-need region and invite you to contribute. On behalf of everyone at Waves For Water, we thank you all for your ongoing support and encouragement. We could not do it without you.