Peru earthquake - preliminary emergency appeal launched to assist survivors
News Release: August 17, 2007
Contact: Nicole Gustin, Senior Associate Communications, Marketing & Government Relations; American Red Cross Northeast Service Area; Phone (508) 595-3973; Blackberry (508) 353-5620

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has issued a preliminary emergency appeal for 1.6 million Swiss francs (US$ 1.3 million/€980,000) to support the Peruvian Red Cross (PRC) operation for survivors of the strong earthquake which devastated regions south of Lima, the capital of Peru, on 15 August. The funds will be used to supply some 20,000 people (4,000 families) with emergency items including tents, blankets, jerrycans, clothes, bedding and plastic sheeting.

Immediate needs for the survivors include shelter – it’s winter now in Peru, and people need to be protected from the cold. They also need access to clean water,” explains Peter Rees, acting deputy director of disaster management, at the International Federation’s Secretariat in Geneva. “The funds will also finance vital psychological support to help survivors overcome the trauma of the catastrophe.”

According to official figures, 437 people have died, more than 800 people are injured, and nearly 17,000 houses have been destroyed. It’s estimated that the town of Pisco, with a population of just over 54,000 people, has suffered around 70% destruction of its infrastructure.

Roads have been very severely damaged and telecommunications remain very difficult. The Peruvian Civil Defence System, (INDECI) has set up a logistical centre at the air base in Pisco to dispatch relief to the affected areas. All health centres and hospitals have been put on maximum alert, all doctors have been requested to make themselves available and all health services for the injured are free of charge.

The Peruvian Red Cross has now mobilized all its resources for this emergency operation. Additional teams of volunteers trained in first aid, and damage and needs assessments, including medical personnel and ambulances have been sent into the rural areas of Ica, the worst-affected region, from Arequipa. The Peruvian Red Cross Lima branch has also sent an additional team to support the operation in Pisco. A PRC national intervention team, along with a logistician, was sent in yesterday to do initial assessments in Pisco and Ica.

The Federation’s Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU), based in Panama, sent a plane loaded with relief items (tents, blankets, plastic sheeting, jerrycans) for 2,000 families to Peru and has deployed two disaster management delegates to assist with the emergency operation. The International Federation immediately released 250,000 Swiss francs (US$205,000/ €153,000) from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to support the Peruvian Red Cross relief operation.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 680,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 23,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.