More than 70 children all under five years old have died in Peru due to freezing weather, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

These children lived in rural areas at high mountains, where the temperature in some cases is reported as low as -20C and forecasters have predicted the cold spell will continue until September.

Many adults have also died during the unusually cold weather and thousands of people are suffering from pneumonia.

Health Minister of Peru said more than 2,000 medics had been sent to the affected areas. However he added the situation is expected to get worse before it improves.

The National Civil Defense Institute has launched a campaign to provide clothing and shelter to the worst affected areas.

The institute also announced they have collected 300 tons of clothes and other supplies from businesses, individuals and government departments in the capital, Lima.

EK/BGH