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Response to Peruvian Earthquake

Response to Peru Earthquake

Overview

Response operations continue in Peru following the massive 8.0 earthquake that struck on Wednesday, August 15. The latest reports estimate:

• More than 500 fatalities

• Approximately 1,050 people injured

• More than 35,000 houses destroyed

• Severe damage to roads, highways, hospitals, public buildings, churches, communications networks, and water and power systems

• One-third of people affected by the earthquake are reportedly children and adolescents

People are living on the streets in some areas due to insufficient shelters. In the city of Pisco, the earthquake damaged the water, sewer, electricity, and garbage collection systems and destroyed the local hospital and four health centers. Communications in the field are improving with the arrival of telecommunications specialists and generators. Reconstruction of the Pan American Highway has begun, enabling light 4x4 vehicles to drive from Lima to the affected areas.

Red Cross and Red Crescent action

The American Red Cross is contributing $100,000 and deploying Corey Michaud, a delegate in Ecuador, to Peru to assist with the relief operation. Michaud will work closely with the Peruvian Red Cross to conduct assessments and distribute relief items. His deployment is in addition to a contribution of 3,500 hygiene kits, 3,000 tarps and 2,000 kitchen sets. The American Red Cross continues to monitor the situation and is evaluating additional response options.

The Peruvian Red Cross (PRC) has deployed 60 volunteers to the field. PRC response activities include ongoing needs assessments, search and rescue, distribution of relief items, and medical care. Four vehicles are available to be dispatched, and four ambulances are in Pisco in support of medical activities.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies allocated an initial $205,000 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to immediately start relief operations. The Federation's Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) has deployed 11 delegates to support the Peruvian Red Cross. Two Emergency Response Units (logistics and relief) have arrived in Peru, and 10 partner national societies are also in-country assisting the PRC response activities. To date, three planes with Red Cross relief items have been sent from PADRU to Lima, and the relief supplies have been transported to the affected regions. The International Federation continues to coordinate with Red Cross Movement partners, the Peruvian government, United Nations agencies, and other humanitarian organizations to fill gaps and avoid duplication of effort.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing leadership for tracing and restoring family links. Two ICRC delegates were in the affected regions supporting the Peruvian Red Cross, but have since returned to Lima.

Finding Missing Loved Ones

The Peruvian Red Cross is still fully engaged in emergency relief operations. The Ministry of Health of Perú has published a Website listing the wounded from the regions of Lima and Callao. Go to www.minsa.gob.pe and click on “Relación de Pacientes Trasladados a Lima.” The Ministry of Health is also preparing a list of persons who have died and has established a telephone number for the general public: From Perú: 0 800 108 28; from outside Perú: (511) 315 66 00 Ext. 2788.