Peru issues $240m to aid farmers affected by heavy rain
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The continuous rainfall has led to heavy flooding in Piura which is causing major problems for banana, mango and table grape growers which the region is known for.
Cabinet chief Fernando Zavala announced the fund following an emergency cabinet meeting in Piura. President Kuczynski was in Piura on Sunday to inspect some of the affected areas.
With around 1,200 hectares of Piura farmland being affected by the heavy rain, emergency measures are being taken to support small farmers whose crops have been destroyed.
The $240m fund will also go towards the reconstruction of 21 bridges in Piura and Tumbes, family housing, repairs in 500 schools, and the installation of two campaign hospitals.
According to Piura’s regional governor, Reynaldo Hilbck, losses in agriculture and basic infrastructure in his region come to more than $122 million, with more than 3,000 families losing their homes.
The rains throughout the country are expected to continue at least until the end of March, according to Nelson Quispe, deputy director of weather forecasts at the national weather bureau, Senamhi. ■