Peru Earthquake: World Vision Commences Delivery of Emergency Aid

|PIC1|International relief and development agency, World Vision, has started delivering much needed aid to its area development project in the community of Longar, one of the worst affected areas of Peru that has not yet received humanitarian aid following the earthquake.

Emergency team leader for World Vision in Peru, Jose Luis Ochoa said, "Due to poor road conditions aid is taking longer to reach the affected communities. We also still have a problem with communication as there is no internet and no electricity. It seems that World Vision's is the first humanitarian aid getting there."

Aftershocks are still felt and with low winter temperatures in Peru reaching up to a maximum of 10 degrees Celsius, World Vision has delivered blankets for 50 families. However, families are preparing to face another night in front of their flattened homes to try and preserve the few things that can be saved under the rubble.

There are around 700,000 inhabitants in Ica city alone, ninety per cent of whom have been affected due to the destruction or damage to their homes, with thousands more people significantly affected in the cities of Pisco, Cañete and Chincha.

The Ministry of Women reported that the number of missing children and orphans may also be significant and two brigades have been mobilised to provide a more accurate assessment.

"We are very frightened because we think that in any moment can happen another quake. The ocean has left some meters, and maybe there is going to be a tsunami," commented a local man affected by the earthquake.

A second World Vision team delivered medical supplies to the Balconcito Health Centre in Chincha, another affected town with 3,600 inhabitants. A truck loaded with medicines for pain relief, antibiotics, medical supplies for minor surgeries, more than 1,000 pairs of shoes, over 5,000 pieces of warm clothing, 150 blankets and 36,000 bars of soap and towels are due to arrive in Ica this evening. Two trucks from Cusco and Ayacucho are also on their way with more supplies.

"Even though there was a prompt response from the government, all the humanitarian aid is not enough for this catastrophe," said Gonzalo Romaña, a government official.

"The government has already sent tonnes of food, clothing, litres of water and tents to the affected areas. World Vision has identified some further urgent needs such as medicine, blankets and warm clothing and will continue its efforts in providing emergency relief."

At this time, World Vision UK is not appealing for any donations.