Today as I was traveling back from Lima to Ica, I encountered a closed interstate in the small town of Pisco. Pisco was the epicenter of the 2007 earthquake (8.0) and the residents feel like the government hasn't done enough. Today is the 2 year anniversary of the earthquake so the people decided to protest by burning tires in the street and by blocking the only road leading to Ica from Lima. Hundreds of protesters gathered on either side of a bridge on the interstate so that no one could pass by. I arrived on the scene just as the blockade began. The police had yet to arrive. I knew from missions training and a little common since never to go into a gathered crowd that is protesting. I immediately turned around and found a safe place to park about 2 miles from all the activity. Soon the national police arrived with their machine guns and gas bombs and of course riot shields. Kinda movie like, unless you live in a country that this happens often. We waited about 2 1/2 hours, myself and several hundred other travelers some in buses and others in cars, as the police patiently allowed the people to protest. When the protesters began to leave and a few stubborn ones stayed behind blocking the road, the police decided to move in and free the interstate to let all the traffic pass. One lady was hurt in the police overtake and only a few cars were damaged in the whole protest, which is pretty good. There are usually a few burnt cars and beaten people when large groups come together to protest. Thankfully the Lord protected me and gave me wisdom to turn around, one truck tried to pass through in the early stages of the protest and it was damaged by the protesters.
Pray for the Peruvians, especially those that are still suffering effects of the earthquake after two long years. Also pray for the national Police that they would continue to handle these situations with the respect and dignity that they showed today.
No comments:
Post a Comment