In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 28, 2021, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake shook the Amazonas Region of northern Peru. The Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) reported that the quake was felt throughout many parts of the country and in Ecuador and Colombia, as well.

Damage from the initial quake and its aftershocks left 13,200 people in need of shelter. In addition to affecting thousands of homes, the earthquake damaged or destroyed 518 schools and 71 hospitals. A total of 17 people suffered injuries, and one person died. Following the earthquake, landslides near the city of Bagua Grande damaged roads and created blockages for the Utcubamba River, which then flooded several communities. Residents in areas most impacted by the floods required evacuation by helicopter.

The Church of the Nazarene in Peru responded quickly. The Superintendent of the Utcubamba District, Rev. Paulino Campos, provided leadership for organizing initial relief efforts after the earthquake. In Bagua Grande, Nazarene volunteers prepared food for approximately 300 people for seven days; they also distributed water, diapers, and sanitary supplies. “People have lost everything in the place of the epicenter and are very vulnerable,” one church leader said. “The church takes on the role of supporting others by showing God’s love.”