Sequía en Andes peruanos provoca muerte de alpacas y obliga a declarar emergencia | AFP

AFP Español

AFP Español

2 min, 15 sec

A severe drought in the Peruvian Andes, worsened by La Niña, is affecting crops, livestock, and local economies, leading to a 60-day state of emergency.

Summary

  • Peru's National Meteorology Service reports one of the worst droughts in over half a century, exacerbated by La Niña.
  • Staple crops like potatoes and livestock such as alpacas are dying, impacting food supply and local economy.
  • Authorities declare a 60-day emergency in over 100 districts, with communities facing severe water scarcity.
  • Andean communities, including Quechua and Aymara, are experiencing significant losses in agriculture and livestock.
  • Residents perform a religious procession to invoke rain from the Virgin of the Clouds to save their crops and economy.

Chapter 1

Impact of Severe Drought and La Niña

0:02 - 32 sec

The Peruvian Andes are experiencing a severe drought, affecting crops and livestock due to La Niña.

  • A severe drought in the Peruvian Andes is reported as one of the worst in over 50 years.
  • La Niña phenomenon in the central Pacific has intensified the drought's effects.
  • Vital crops like potatoes and animals such as alpacas are dying, threatening food security and local economies.

Chapter 2

Community Struggles and Water Scarcity

0:34 - 28 sec

Andean communities are struggling with water scarcity, leading to the death of livestock and crop failures.

  • Communities face a lack of water for agriculture and livestock, resulting in the death of animals like chickens and alpacas.
  • The drought has caused a dire situation for Andean communities who rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood.

Chapter 3

Cultural and Religious Response to Drought

1:03 - 45 sec

Andean communities respond to the drought with cultural and religious practices to invoke rain.

  • Near Lake Titicaca, the small farming community of Yunguyo is affected by the drought.
  • Residents pray to the Virgin of the Clouds and conduct a religious procession with traditional attire for rain.

Chapter 4

Plea for Rain and Threat to Livelihood

1:47 - 13 sec

The drought threatens the current and future livelihood of Andean communities, prompting pleas for rain.

  • People carry the Virgin in pilgrimage to the shores of Lake Titicaca to pray for rain and save their crops and economy.
  • There is a risk of losing the entire agricultural campaign for the current and upcoming year if there is no rain.

Chapter 5

Severe Drought Affecting Human Water Supply

2:00 - 5 sec

The drought is so severe that it is impacting areas for human water consumption.

  • Local authorities report that the drought is affecting water catchment areas meant for human consumption.