A forest fire has claimed three lives and caused widespread devastation in the municipality of Chuymay in Ayacucho, Peru. Terre des Hommes has been working with projects in the region for many years. A total of 165 families have been affected by the disaster.

Founded by the wind and favors the continued drought and spread the fire quickly and raged for five days. Houses, orchards, pastures, house and wild animals fell to the flames as well as victims as well as food supplies or field tools. The water supply is also affected because the irrigation pipes from PVC did not stand up to the fire. Three towns are currently completely cut off from the water supply.

Terre des Hommes has initiated emergency relief measures. Affected families are receiving basic food supplies to cover their needs for three months. Terre des Hommes is also supporting the people in rehabilitating their fields and restoring the irrigation system. The communities currently have neither emergency plans nor firefighting equipment. Therefore, as a first step, the fire department is providing training in firefighting and preventive measures to better prepare for future fires.