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Deadly Earthquake Shakes Peru, Prompts Red Cross Response
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies sends assistance to Peruvian earthquake survivors.
By Katie Lawson, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Thursday, August 16, 2007 — A 7.9 magnitude earthquake rocked the central coastal region of Peru early Wednesday evening, destroying buildings and leaving many people without power, water or communications. Immediately following the quake, the Peruvian Red Cross sent a relief team to the region to assess the damage and evaluate the needs of those affected.
The powerful quake struck around 6:40 p.m. local time and was centered 90 miles south of Lima, the country’s capital. Initial reports indicate that several hundred people were killed and more than 1,300 have been injured. The province of Ica was hardest-hit by the largest temblor to strike Peru in 30 years. Widespread damage was also reported in the area of Chincha.
Tsunami warnings were issued up and down the coast of Central and South America, but were later cancelled. Several aftershocks have continued to plague the region with more expected in the days ahead.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation), American Red Cross and other Red Cross national societies maintain a warehouse of relief supplies at the Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) in Panama. Two planes loaded with tents, plastic sheeting, blankets and jerrycans (for carrying water) are scheduled to land in the town of Pisco on Friday morning. The supplies will assist more than 2,000 families in the affected area.
On high alert following the quake, PADRU deployed three disaster management delegates to assist with emergency operations. Rescue workers have been struggling to reach the hardest-hit areas due to giant cracks and fallen power lines on the Pan American Highway, a major inter-coastal thoroughfare. Rockslides were reportedly blocking other roads in the area.
The International Federation has released $205,000 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to support the Peruvian Red Cross relief operation.
While the American Red Cross does not accept individually donated goods, the Red Cross is accepting financial donations for this disaster. To donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or for Spanish, 800-257-7575.
The American Red Cross, its partners in PADRU and the Peruvian Red Cross continue to monitor and assess the situation. Assistance by the American Red Cross may include mobilizing relief workers, supplies and financial resources.
Every day people around the world are suffering from disasters, like the cyclone in Myanmar. You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or mailing your donation, with the designation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
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