On the 27th of January the Peruvian government declared a 60-day state of emergency in Cusco due to torrential rains and flooding.  It is estimated that at least 10,000 people have been affected. More than 2,000 homes have been destroyed, and many others have been left without water and basic services. Eight provinces in and around Cusco have been seriously affected including Puno, Calca and Urubamba, there has been significant damage to communication, transportation (roads & bridges) and public utilities infrastructures to which the municipal governments are rallying to respond.

The Province of Urubamba includes the towns of Urubamba, Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes), Huayllabamba, Maras, Yucay, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. According to the Provincial Municipality’s latest report 1,194 families (5967 individuals) have had their homes rendered completely uninhabitable by the flooding. This is the group most at risk as most do not have the financial means to rebuild their lives.  Another 2,172 families (or 10,460 individuals) have also had substantial damage to their properties however these cases are less severe, while several areas within the Province experienced 100% devastation.   Regarding the health impacts in the region, it is reported that in the area there were 2 deaths (a tourist and her guide at Machu Picchu), 12 people injured and 1 person missing.

Camino Verde in association with World Ayni, and IbaneZackin pooled their time and resources to help these families get their kids ready to go back to school (in Peru, March 1st is back-to-school) by donating backpacks outfitted with school supplies (an estimated cost of $25.00 per child).