United Nations launches appeal of $37 million for earthquake victims in Peru

(Geneva/Lima/New York: 28 August 2007): The United Nations and its humanitarian partners today launched an appeal for close to $37 million, to assist more than 200,000 people needing medical assistance, water, food, tents and blankets after a powerful earthquake hit Peru more than a week ago.

A quake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck the Peruvian Pacific Coast on 15 August, devastating hospitals, schools, churches and government buildings in the city of Pisco, and seriously affecting the cities of Lima, Chincha Alta, Ica and Cañete. The current death toll stands at 514 while the number of injured is 1,090. Preliminary assessments indicate that over 37,000 houses and four hospitals were destroyed, while sixteen hospitals were damaged.

The Government of Peru had immediately mounted a massive search, rescue and life-saving operations with the National Institute of Civil Defence (INDECI) in the lead. Governmental relief assistance has been coupled with, and supported by, relief efforts of the international community. This included a 7-member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, which is working with the UN Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) to coordinate the response activities of United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with those of national authorities.

An allocation of $9.6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund has already been approved for immediate assistance in shelter and camp management, food supply, water and sanitation, health, education and emergency employment.

The United Nations Flash Appeal is based on the latest assessments from United Nations interagency missions deployed to the affected areas and reports from official sources, which indicate that more than 200,000 people require life-saving assistance and 56,000 families are homeless. Immediate needs include: shelter, water purification supplies, medical care, food, sanitation facilities, tents, tarpaulin, electric generators, portable beds, blankets and tools to remove the rubble.