2.1. Alto Mayo and 1990 Earthquake Impact

In 1990, on 29th May, Alto Mayo was struck by an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, resulting in the death of about 70 people, injuring 1600, and causing damage or destruction to almost 6,000 homes. Later, in 1991, another earthquake of 6.2 magnitude occurred, leading to 40 deaths, 700 injuries, and destruction of 466 homes in Moyobamba and 339 in Rioja.

The Alto Mayo region in Peru experienced two significant earthquakes in 1990 and 1991, both measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale. The first earthquake caused substantial loss of life and considerable damage to homes. This led to a humanitarian crisis, as many families lost their shelters. The second earthquake, occurring just a year later, compounded the destruction, further straining recovery efforts in the region.

Think of Alto Mayo as a small community that just rebuilt after a storm, only to face another one shortly after. Just like how a second storm would destroy the homes built after the first, the second earthquake hindered recovery efforts and put families back at square one.

The recovery process in Alto Mayo was largely guided by the Practical Action Group, which focused on long-term reconstruction rather than short-term relief efforts. They conducted surveys and engaged local leaders to assess the needs of the community, identifying beneficiaries based on these assessments.

The Practical Action Group played a crucial role in the recovery efforts after the earthquakes. Rather than just providing immediate relief, they took a more sustainable approach by focusing on the long-term rebuilding of homes and infrastructure. They conducted surveys to gather information about the community's needs and worked closely with local leaders to ensure that they were meeting the right priorities of those affected by the earthquakes.

Imagine a teacher assessing her students to understand their learning needs rather than just giving them a one-time review session. The teacher might ask each student what they struggle with and tailor her lessons accordingly, similar to how the Practical Action Group tailored their recovery strategies based on community input.

In consultation with local leaders, the group decided to move away from traditional rammed earth and adobe construction techniques, opting to promote quincha, a reinforced timber-frame construction. This method employed timber posts and bamboo woven infill for enhanced earthquake resistance.

Due to the increased risk of earthquakes, the Practical Action Group recognized that traditional building methods might not withstand future quakes. As a solution, they introduced quincha, which is a stronger and more resilient building technique. By using timber frames and bamboo, structures became lighter and better at resisting movement during an earthquake. This technical shift represented an essential evolution in how communities could safely rebuild.

It's like switching from older, less durable materials in an art project to using sturdier options like acrylics instead of watercolor paints. The sturdier materials can withstand more, allowing for better results and longevity, similar to how quincha provides better protection against earthquakes.

By 1994, 558 improved quincha houses were built in the Alto Mayo province. The census data revealed that quincha constituted 30% of the housing stock in the project area, significantly more than the 7% national average in 1993. The cost of constructing a quincha house was about $1300, in stark contrast to$5400 for a brick house. This approach benefited the local community by providing affordable housing using accessible materials.

The introduction of improved quincha housing had a profound impact on the Alto Mayo community. By 1994, there was a significant increase in the number of quincha houses, indicating the community's acceptance and successful adaptation of this new technique. The cost savings were also substantial, making these houses affordable for families who previously could not afford traditional brick construction. This shift not only provided shelter but also stimulated local economies by using locally sourced materials and labor.

Consider a community that discovers a new fruit that grows abundantly nearby but is far cheaper and healthier than what they’ve had before. As more people start to eat this new fruit, not only do they save money, but they also improve their health and support local farmers. This is similar to how quincha housing improved living conditions and boosted the local economy.

Eighteen years after the earthquakes, changes in agriculture and population migration became evident. Droughts in North Peru affected crops, leading people to migrate to Alto Mayo, where land was available. The government also encouraged increased agricultural production in the region, expanding cultivated areas significantly.

Long after the reconstruction, the impacts of the earthquakes continued to shape the region. The conditions in North Peru made it challenging for farmers, leading them to seek opportunities in Alto Mayo. The government's proactive approach in encouraging agricultural efforts helped to expand the area under cultivation, which not only supported those migrants but also helped stabilize the local economy. This reflects the interconnected nature of environmental conditions and social changes over time.

Think of a river drying up due to climate change, forcing fishers to find new water bodies to work in. Similarly, the droughts forced farmers to seek new lands where agriculture was still viable. As more fishers move to the new water body, it begins to thrive with life, just as the Alto Mayo region prospered as more farmers settled there.

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