The Peruvian Government has deployed armed forces personnel to help flood-affected families in northern San Martin region, following the recent heavy rains hitting Picota province, Defense Minister Jorge Nieto informed Thursday.
"Two helicopters will fly from Chiclayo to the area. [...] We are analyzing other measures to keep helping this affected population," the official expressed.
According to Nieto, floods have so far left 120 homes affected, 60 houses uninhabitable, as well as 12 people trapped, 3 injured and 6 others missing. Death toll stands at 5.
The cabinet member also announced a National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) delegation has already arrived in said area to assess the situation.
Likewise, he stressed the Armed Forces are committed to dealing with any type of emergency within the Peruvian territory, as they showed last summer during
Coastal El Niño phenomenon in northern regions.
To this end, the statesman requested Defense ministry officials to lead support activities in order to meet emergency needs in the battered area.
(END) JCR/CCR/JAA/MVB