News Release: American Red Cross Opens Relief Pipeline to Peru

Relief Supplies, Technical Assistance and Cash Rushed to Earthquake Zone

Washington, DC, June 25, 2001 — When a massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake shook southern Peru on Saturday June 23, the Peruvian Red Cross immediately responded in the affected areas of Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna. Red Cross workers continue to provide first aid as well as helping in search and rescue operations for those trapped in collapsed buildings. With more than 70 reported killed, over 1,000 injured and more than 12,000 families affected, the American Red Cross has joined the Peruvian Red Cross to get relief to the earthquake victims.

"We're sending our top relief experts to help the Peruvians determine the best uses for American Red Cross resources," said Gerald Jones, vice president International Services American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross has deployed two relief experts to Lima with others are on stand-by. Additionally, the American Red Cross has provided an initial cash contribution to the Peruvian Red Cross to help jumpstart the relief effort and is also readying relief supplies including tarps and blankets for shipment to the affected areas.

Peru is intermittently shaken by earthquakes, and was battered by a 7.7-magnitude temblor in May 31, 1970, that killed about 70,000 people. Other severe quakes include May 30, 1990, 137 people were killed in a 6.3-magnitude quake in northern Peru and November 12, 1996, 17 people were killed and some 1,500 injured in a 7.7-magnitude quake that struck Nazca.

As part of the world's largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross alleviates the suffering of victims of war, disaster and other international emergencies, and works with other Red Cross societies to improve chronic, life-threatening conditions in developing nations. We reconnect families separated by emergencies and educate the American public about international humanitarian law. This assistance is made possible through the generosity of the American public. To help the victims of this and other disasters, financial contributions can be made to the American Red Cross International Response Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. Contributions also may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

NOTE: To speak with an American Red Cross representative in Peru, contact Olga Bellido de Luna, 202-639-3512, pager 800-759-8888 pin#1202362.