The frost and snowfall that have been recorded in the highlands of the Arequipa region have caused the death of 60% of baby alpacas in the districts of Achoma, San Antonio de Chuca and Chalhuanca, located in the province of caylloma. In addition, they have affected crops and reduced the number of tourists in the area.
In recent days, the temperature has reached below zero levels, causing considerable losses for populated centers. Despite the calls for help to the authorities in the Arequipa region, no measures have yet been taken to respond to the needs. If the supply of medicines for animals and fodder does not arrive, it is possible that there will be losses in March.
DISTRICT MAYORS EXPOSED REALITIES
The district mayor Saint Anthony of Chuca, Claudio Apaza Velásquez, reported that each farmer loses between 5 and 8 baby alpacas daily, considering that there are 320 breeders who own up to 100 animals each. This activity is the only source of economic income for the residents, who ask for support every year.
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The local authority sent a request to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Regional Government of Arequipa 15 days after taking office, but they have still not received a response after more than a month. They fear that help will come too late and that there is nothing to save. The losses amount to almost 90 thousand soles, and antibiotics are needed to fight pneumonia and fodder to feed the animals.
in the district of achomathe mayor Renzo Paco Osca stated that 70% of the 1057 producers depend on agriculture and the cattle raisingwhich were also affected by frosts that reached 11 degrees below zero. They only have one crop a year. and depend on it to survive, while they lost more than 60% of their livestock.
The cold season this year was stronger than on other occasions, and the losses in meat production have been significant. The mayor requested the declaration of emergency for monthsto build sheds and receive fodder seeds. In addition, due to the large losses, 5% of the population that worked in the tourism sector has been left without a job.
In the town center of Chalhuancathey have killed about 1500 mother alpacas and there have been some 900 abortions due to frosts that reached -14 degrees Celsius. The most affected annexes were Rayo Ampi, Pulpera and Tocra, and it is expected to receive 3 tons of fodder and antibiotics.
Furthermore, the province of caylloma It has been affected not only by the rains, but also by the political situation in the country. Before the pandemic, they received 25,000 visitors in January alone, but this year they have only registered 4,000 tourists, according to the provincial mayor, Alfonso Mamani.
The damages are recorded every year that there is snowfall, the mayors ask for definitive government policies for the protection of animals permanently.
