Not many people are aware or know of the major floods happening in Northern Peru right now. Having spent my spring break in Lima, Peru and watching first hand how thousands lost their homes, jobs, and schools I have come back from break with a whole new perspective.

On March 15, an avalanche of floods occurred in Northern Peru after a few days of non-stop rain. These major floods destroyed a bridge, filled highways and homes. This left many people stranded with no water, food, clothes, or help. They had to wait till firefighters or any enforcement could get to them but with only so many capable helpers, many were left on their own the first night. To get to the people on top of rooftops or in a small corner, firefighters would have to zip-line risking their own lives. Many Peruvians lost their livestock and often on television you could see the pigs and cows in the avalanche of dirty water dead.

In an already poor country, this natural disaster will cost the country millions to repair and leaves hundreds of thousands without a place to live. A few thousand are still missing and it is hard to know when or if they will be found. This avalanche has also left the rest of the country without water for a few days. The government has shut down the water in every home and only turns it on for a few moments, but citizens are still having to buy extremely expensive water in the supermarket.

All of this sounds like a plot to an "end of the world" movie, but it is all true. It is all happening right now and it makes you think of what you can do or how you can change the way you live your life.

Water is a natural resource that we take advantage of. We all need to do our part to conserve the water we have. Close the sink when brushing your teeth, do not take 15 minute showers every day, recycle your water bottles, do not have the water running while washing dishes, etc.

It is time you do your small part and start thinking of how you can help others.