“My God, why are you punishing us, what sin have we committed!” cried a mother as she wandered like someone lost in time.

On Sunday evening rain began to fall in the department of San Ramon. The gentle rain turned into a four-hour

torrent turning rivers into floods of destructive waters. Landslides of rock and mud covered vehicles, roadways and people.

As daylight came the damage became evident. More than 2,000 people in 13 small communities were affected — losing 200 homes, 15 lives, and 25 people unaccounted for. Many children died.

PDA has been working in Peru for the past two years with CEDEPAS, a pastoral institute that also focuses on community and agricultural development. A CEDEPAS team including pastoral counselors, a nurse and physician are in San Ramon working with the churches to develop a plan of immediate response and then long term recovery. PDA has immediately transferred $5,000 to support emergency needs and will support the long-term recovery.