An Ayacuchan deluge.

Last evening it was our turn to experience a flood. The day began as a beautiful one, plenty of sunshine and warmth. However, as the afternoon wore on the clouds began to gather, ominous signs of what could happen – and it did!
We started our lesson around the normal time of 5.15 p.m. and so did the thunder and lightning. Next thing the lights all went out as the rain began to pelt down. Thank heavens there was still sufficient daylight to pack up the computer and data show projector as the water began to seep into the auditorium.

Next thing we all realised that the road in the front of the clinic was completely flooded and the water was raging through the open front door to the tune of at least half a meter, virtually covering the lower panel of the door. You can also be assured that it was more than just water coming through the door! All forms of rubbish imaginable gathering in the clinic.


After coming through the front it formed a massive cascade over the verandah and then washed most of the basketball stand to the rear of the property.

This walkway was the closest thing you could imagine to a muddy river and trying to escape the problem by wading through it was tricky.

The actual rain lasted for at least an hour. There was no way we could get out of the clinic because the state of the road. To give you an idea of the water level it would have been up to Marion’s knees or over the chair of the lady on the right hand side of the photo.
Eventually we made it back to Hotel Tres Mascaras, thank heavens it is built on the side of a hill! The only real personal damage we discovered – two pairs of water logged shoes and my jeans soaked from the calf down, although it will be interesting to see the state of the clinic when we return for art classes this morning.