The Church of the Nazarene and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries responded to communities in the Madre de Rios region of Peru after heavy and constant rains caused the Tambopata, Madre de Dios, and Inambari rivers to flood over 3,500 homes. 

Lila Ventura, who is in charge of a work in the town of El Triunfo, Peru, said that many of the families were trapped in their homes when the rivers flooded on 21 February. They were later rescued by boats and housed in schools, which have become temporary shelters.

Susana del Aguila, NCM coordinator for the Peru Sur (South) District, worked with the district superintendent to help the victims. An offering was taken among the churches of the district, and they also collected clothes and purchased supplies that were delivered to the church members in El Triunfo. There are around 70 families in the El Triunfo neighborhood that are being helped. 

Silvia Mantilla Clemente, a  resident of El Triunfo, says that when the floods started, they did not know how to react because it happened so quickly and they were not prepared. She is hopeful they can overcome everything that has happened and thanks God that they are alive. In the neighborhood where she lives, they do not have drinking water or electricity, and the road that gives access to the neighborhood is destroyed.

Thousands like her are affected, many of whom have lost everything. The regional authority of Madre de Dios also reported that agricultural areas were hit very hard.

Celia Osorio Soto is a mother of six children. She said the situation was very unexpected, and she felt helpless when she saw her possessions floating away. 

“I took my children out and I lost my things,” she said. “My house is a mess."

Both Mantilla and Osorio are very grateful to the church for the they help received. 

“I already have a little food to give to my children and thanks to all those who are supporting, I have a lot of hope.” Osorio said. “With God's help, I know that all the families that have been affected are going to move forward.”

There are still many needs such as clothes, sheets, mattresses, mosquito nets, and medicine, but Ventura is optimistic and says that they will continue to pray for God to touch hearts to continue providing help, including spiritual. 

"Aid has impacted people's lives by showing that the Church of the Nazarene does care and is prepared to help in difficult times,” Ventura said.

--Church of the Nazarene South America