Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski appealed for calm amid emergency situation caused by landslides and rains, and claimed the Andean country will overcome such adversity.
Statements were made as he addressed the media on Saturday night, following a National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) coordination meeting.
“This crisis will come to an end but, in the meantime, we have to help each other and show support for the victims,” he said.
He recalled his wife, Nancy Lange, has been leading a donation effort in favor of victims —currently underway at the Government Palace— since Saturday.
Mr. Kuczynski underlined that most of the donors were humble people who brought clothes and provisions to help their fellow men and women.
He admitted that what touched him the most was the situation of a woman battling her way out of a mudslide in Punta Hermosa district, who is now safe thanks to her resistance.
“We are going to overcome this situation, just as Mrs. [Evangelina] Chamorro did,” he stated.
The 78-year-old statesman referred to the airlift provided by Armed Forces in cities like Chiclayo, Piura and Jauja as a response to the emergency. He said it has enabled to remove 2,000 people from isolated areas in two days.
Our aim now is to restore Panamericana highway, make Central highway operational again and abolish rumors that water service will be discontinued, which is not true.
On the matter, he explained drinking water service is being restored in Lima metropolitan area, which was shut-off, due to high level of mud in the water, until turbidity is reduced.
As for Panamericana Norte highway, he said the restoration of the path in Chimbote is almost done; this will lead to resumption of traffic.
He assured the Government is doing its best to provide victims with water, tents, food and revive the economy as soon as possible.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the support provided by former presidents. “I thank former presidents’ support and that of Mrs. Keiko Fujimori as well,” he was quoted as saying.
He also showed gratitude for the support of Armed Forces, National Police and firefighters.
(END) VVS/ ASH/RMB
Published: 3/19/2017