Peruvian Nobel Literature Prize laureate Mario Vargas Llosa on Sunday expressed solidarity with natural disaster victims and highlighted that fellow citizens work together to tackle the situation.
As is known, Peru is currently at the mercy of heavy rains, floods and landslides affecting the northern area of the country above all.
"It's a tragedy that this occurs at a time when Peru was going on the right path, but we shall not lose hope. Let's keep hope alive [instead]," the writer expressed.
"There is no doubt we will move forward," he assured.
Vargas Llosa also stressed that —despite the current bad weather from 'Coastal' El Niño phenomenon— stakeholders have shown signs of solidarity with victims and brought out the best in themselves.
"At the same time, this experience has served to show extraordinary solidarity […] leaving behind rivalries and differences. Everyone is united and working to help victims overcome this hard challenge," he added.
"I think this generous, solidary attitude is highly admirable and leads to a perspective for encouragement and hope at these extremely hard times," the celebrity concluded.
Arrival
Mario Vargas Llosa arrived in Lima on Saturday night along with girlfriend Isabel Preysler.
He will celebrate his 81st birthday in his hometown of Arequipa on March 28.
Likewise, he will participate in an international forum on Democracy in Latin America organized by "Fundacion Internacional para la Libertad" (International Foundation for Freedom).