More than 70 people have died and more than 70,000 have been left homeless amid the worst flooding in Peru in more than 30 years.
The rapid and unusual warming of the waters off northern Peru has unleashed the deadliest rainfall the South American country has seen in decades.
Lima's principal water treatment plant is clogged with everything the floods have brought in their wake and the workers are working day and night to try to clear it up.
More than twenty landslides upstream made river water untreatable.
"We sweat, we're working hard and constantly without rest. It's exhausting work," said Jorge Mejia, a plant worker.
Lima, the second largest desert city after Egyptian capital Cairo, was struggling to supply water before the floods.
"The landslides have been extremely frequent, one after another, without stopping, we haven't even been able to collect water, treat it and supply the city because the landslides have been so violent and turbulent, and they continue to affect the water," said Rudecindo Vega, head of Lima's Waterboard SEDAPAL.
"More rains are forecast for the next few days, especially Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. As you know, of course the weather can change and forecasts aren't always certain. The wind is so unpredictable that it may trigger more damage. But we've made provisions so that the authorities are in the right places to take the necessary actions," Jorge Nieto, Peru's Defense Minister.
Peruvians have come out in force to help the 70,000 who've been made homeless so far.
"All Peruvians have responded. Yesterday there was literally a sea of people bringing their donations. It was great to see how Peruvians are helping their fellow Peruvians who are victims of this disaster," said Colver Ruiz, Navy captain in charge of donations.
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