The government of Peru has declared a state of emergency as winter temperatures in large parts of the South American country plunge to record lows, media reports said Saturday, dpa reported.
So far, at least 100 people have died in the worst cold spell in 46 years.
The state of emergency applies in 17 of Peru's 25 regions. The measure would facilitate the distribution of food, shelter and medicine, according to the media.
The situation is particularly critical in Andean highlands in the south of the country, where temperatures of minus 23 centigrade have been recorded. In forest areas, where temperatures average around 30 centigrade, the mercury has fallen to 10 centigrade.
In the capital Lima, where the climate is typically subtropical, temperatures dipped to around eight degrees.