Peru & Colombia Need You

Rimaykullayki everyone,

I hope everyone's been having a productive and not so stressful week so far, and if you are, you got this! In NYC its been raining a lot these past few days which is normal during this time of the year but in Peru and Colombia, its been raining more than usual. Due to global warming and the cycle of El Niño, countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru have been suffering from heavy rains that have lead to flooding and mudslides. In Peru we refer to these effects as huaicos and while our April showers are bringing May flowers, the torrential rains in these countries have been devastating, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands upon thousands of families homeless with no food or water and susceptible to diseases. This is the worst Peru and Colombia have experienced in terms of natural disasters in many years and both governments didn't expect and weren't ready for the level of damage these huaicos have left. 

 Every morning for the past few weeks I've been following what's been going on in the northern part of Peru, the one most affected by the huaicos. Cities like Piura, Lambayeque, Trujillo and districts like Chosica that are near rivers have been greatly affected and the floods have brought diseases from the carcasses of animals in the roads which puts those living on the streets in greater danger. In terms of numbers, almost 1 million citizens have been affected by these huaicos, leaving over 130,000 homeless and about 100 dead. Through all the pain, there have been beautiful acts of humanity that have inspired the entire nation.

Edgar Humberto Álvarez. the Colombian artist of this inspiring work.

On Sunday, Mocoa, a city in the southern part of Colombia near the borders of Peru and Ecuador, suffered from heavy rains that led to a huge landslide of mud that has left over 250 dead so far. Half the city of Mocoa was affected, leaving thousands without a home, damaged infrastructures, no access to electricity, gas, telephone, and sadly, many looking for loved ones. This tragedy happened quickly and unexpectedly which is why there's many missing now. 

Mocoa, Colombia

It's heartbreaking to see so many suffering and I know it's sometimes difficult to figure out how one can help being far away. I've been reading and talking to family in Peru and a friend from Colombia on how we can help. Here are a few of the best options I've come to find:

• If you have family or a very close friend you trust in either Peru or Colombia (or both) you can send them money to buy food, clothes, water, medicine, etc to help out. My mother and I did this 2 weeks ago and through Whatsapp my aunt (Tia Eli who is such a sweetheart 💓) showed us the things she bought. That weekend she went with some friends to go help distribute the items, so we have that joy in our hearts to know that these things have gone directly to the hands of those who need it the MOST.
• Buffet Peruano Benefico, on Sunday April 9th, from 12-5:30 PM the restaurant Jalea Peruvian Cuisine in Hicksville, NY will be donating all their proceeds from this buffet. There will also be entertainment. Tickets for Adults will be $30 and for Children, $10.  
• Desde Lejos, Contigo Peru!: Recaudor de Fondos, on Saturday April 29th, from 1- 6 PM there will be a dance with many Peruvian artists in which all the money will be going to the damnificados. This will take place in la Iglesia San Bartolome in Elmhurst, NY. 
• Marathon Unidos Por El Peru, on Sunday April 30th from 12 PM at La Boom in Woodside, NY where the donation fee will be $10.00.
• Consulado Colombiano en New York on Sunday April 9th from 3-9 PM the embassy in NYC will have artists, music and delicious Colombian food in which donations will be received for those affected from the Mocoa natural disaster.

* There is still not many events here for the Mocoa tragedy considering that it happened recently. If I find more, I will be adding it to the list so check for updates.*

It is my hope that through this medium I inspire or motivate at least one person to go out and donate to these causes. Every little bit counts and every little bit can make a change.

#SomosPeru

#TodosConMocoa

#UnaSolaFuerza

Despues de cada derrota, comienza la reconstruccion. I know that these tragedies will result in stronger infrastructures and most importantly a stronger and more united nation. 🌄

Blessings to you all,

Karen

-The Chic Engiruvian