Defense Minister Jorge Nieto oversees the Peruvian Air Force's (FAP) "Alas de Esperanza III" (Wings of Hope III) disaster-prevention operation in the wake of frosts in southern areas.
The government official arrived in High-Andean Caylloma province (Southern Arequipa region) —located at more than 3,500 m.a.s.l.— joined by FAP Commander-General Javier Ramirez.
Wings of Hope III delivered ten tons of humanitarian aid, including non-perishable food supplies, water, hygiene kits, clothing and blankets.
The assistance also included health care services in various fields like general medicine, pediatrics, ophthalmology, cardiology, surgery, dermatology, gastroenterology, dentistry, among others.
Chocolate milk and cake were also distributed among children.
Overall, the activity is expected to assist around 3,000 citizens from frost-hit Yanque district, as well as from the districts of Ichupampa, Achoma, Coporaque (Caylloma province) and Chachas (Castilla province).
Bringing hope to victims
Wings of Hope III is geared towards the optimization of the national Air Force's immediate response capacities to assist the population and government bodies in the event of large-scale natural disasters.
Operation agents' training sessions began on June 12 and run thru June 28.
The initiative expects to assist a total of 10,000 citizens and transport 200 tons of humanitarian aid.
Activities involve the deployment of ten Air Force aircraft and four helicopters in southern Arequipa, Cusco, Puno, Moquegua and Tacna regions.
(END) NDP/RFA/MAO/DHT/MVB