On May 1, a fire broke out in a settlement in Independencia, Lima, Peru. Fanned by the strong wind, the flames spread rapidly to homes along the hillside, engulfing many houses in a matter of moments. Because the settlement is located on steep terrain, fire engines had difficulty reaching the area, while the highly flammable building materials made it extremely challenging to contain the blaze in its early stages.

Immediately after the fire, residents took shelter in nearby temporary housing. However, with all their household belongings—including furniture, clothing, and bedding—destroyed in the fire, they were left without even the basic necessities to protect themselves from the cold at night.

Peru is currently entering the winter season, when nighttime temperatures drop sharply. In particular, the temporary shelters on the hillside are tent structures, raising concerns about the health of the displaced residents. The Municipality of Independencia has also been working to support recovery efforts, but its limited funding has made it difficult to meet all the needs of those affected.

After learning of the residents’ difficult circumstances, the members of the International WeLoveU Foundation (WeLoveU) visited the municipality on May 4 and discussed emergency relief measures with Mayor Alfredo Reynaga. Municipal officials explained that seven families whose homes had been completely destroyed were struggling with the cold at night and requested cold-weather supplies.

Visiting the Fire-Blackened Site

On May 8, WeLoveU members visited the site of the fire. Along the path of the flames, the hillside and building walls were blackened with soot, and in several places, nothing remained but the foundations where homes had once stood.

The displaced residents were moved to tears and expressed their gratitude simply because WeLoveU members had come to see them in person. They said that the fire had left them with nothing and that they desperately hoped for a helping hand.

After speaking with the displaced residents, the members said, “We realized that what our neighbors truly need is the comforting assurance that they are not alone.” They agreed that even a small act of care can give someone the hope to get back on their feet.

Sharing the Warmth of Love

WeLoveU determined that the most urgent priority was to protect the displaced residents from the health risks of cold exposure and carefully prepared warm winter blankets.

Benefits of Blanket Support

On May 11, WeLoveU members held a donation ceremony at the Municipality of Independencia and then immediately visited the temporary accommodations where the displaced residents were staying. They provided winter blankets according to the size and needs of each family.

Marlene Quispe, Deputy Manager of the Food Assistance Program at the Municipality of Independencia, expressed her deep gratitude on behalf of the mayor to WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and the members, saying, “You have provided warm blankets for the residents affected by the fire.” One displaced resident with young children smiled and said, “Thanks to the blankets you have provided, I think we will be able to sleep comfortably.”

Although the scars left by the fire cannot be erased overnight, we hope that blankets filled with a mother’s warm love will comfort our weary neighbors and become a source of hope as they get back on their feet.

WeLoveU always stands with people around the world affected by disasters and supports their swift return to everyday life.