17 August 2007

The Salvation Army provides assistance to victims of Peru earthquake

 

Following a devastating earthquake in Peru which left hundreds dead and thousands homeless, Salvation Army relief teams are concentrating their efforts on the town of Pisco, where an estimated 80 per cent of buildings were destroyed and many people lost their lives. The disaster response team from the capital, Lima, and officers from South America West Territorial Headquarters in Chile are providing assistance. An immediate grant of US$250,000 has been made available to support the relief efforts.

Lieut-Colonel Susan McMillan, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army's South America West Territory, reports: ‘Our officers have determined that there is a great need for our assistance in the town of Pisco and that is where we are concentrating our efforts. We have ascertained that the immediate needs for the village are water, food, surgical gloves, masks, blankets and mattresses. Pisco appears to be the worst-hit area, but the roads to Ica, Chincha and Cañete are cut.'

The United Nations reports that an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale hit the coast of Peru on Wednesday 15 August. The epicentre was beneath the Pacific Ocean, about 145 kilometres (90 miles) south-east of Lima. Four strong aftershocks, ranging from 5.4 to 5.9, followed and many more smaller tremors.

Peru's National Institute for Civil Defence reports that 337 people died in the province of Ica and 827 others were injured. Three people are reported to have been killed in Lima. Many houses in poor neighbourhoods in Ica and nearby Chincha collapsed and electricity was lost in several locations. The majority of the 122,000 inhabitants of Pisco, where The Salvation Army is focusing its efforts, are now homeless. Adobe houses fell quickly and even many houses made of stronger material have collapsed. These figures are being updated constantly and the death toll is expected to rise further.

Lieut-Colonel McMillan adds: ‘There has also been considerable damage to the Salvation Army men's home in Callao. Unfortunately, until the damage can be assessed, the home will not be able to re-open.' 

Major Cedric Hills, International Emergency Services Coordinator, says: ‘The destruction and suffering caused by this earthquake is widespread, with many thousands of people left homeless. An appeal is being established to provide assistance with initial relief and also the longer-term recovery effort.'

A bed is a stark reminder that people once lived in these ruins in Pisco	Team briefings ensure its work is coordinated with other agencies and emergency workers

 

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