Storm brings rare snowfall to Atacama desert, cuts of high-altitude communities in Peru
According to residents of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, snow that fell over this weekend was heaviest in three decades. As this is a desert city and usually one of the driest places in the world, the snow brought delight to residents and tourists. However, local officials are concerned that it could cause some rivers to flood. Snow and rain were followed by numerous mudslides and the road to San Pedro de Atacama was temporarily blocked.
Map source: OpenStreetMap. Edit: The Watchers
Around 12 000 families in southern Peru are not that lucky. Carabaya, a remote indigenous province, has been completely cut off after snow and ice blocked highways connecting the region with the outside world. Central government was urged to provide support to the community on Monday, August 26, 2013.
High-altitude communities in Peru are struggling through harsh winter season that already claimed several lives.
Featured image: OpenStreetMap. Edit: The Watchers
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