After hundreds of children died in weather that has gripped Peru and plunged temperatures to 50-year lows, the country has declared a state of emergency. The declaration will provide funds intended to lessen additional casualties. –JCL

The Guardian:

Peru has declared a state of emergency after hundreds of children died from freezing conditions that have seen temperatures across much of the South American country plummet to a 50-year low. In 16 of Peru’s 25 regions, temperatures have fallen below -24C [roughly minus 75 degree Fahrenheit].

Reports from the country say 409 people, most of them children, have already died from the cold, with temperatures predicted to fall further in coming weeks.

Worst hit are Peru’s poorest and most isolated communities, which are already living on the edge of survival in remote Andean mountain villages more than 3,000 metres above sea level.

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#cold#environment#peru#south america#state of emergency#temperature rise