Salvation Army Increases Relief Efforts as Peru Suffers Series of Earthquakes

|PIC1|The Salvation Army has increased its aid efforts in southern Peru after two earthquakes hit the region in a single day on Oct. 1st 2005. The devastation brought continued grief and problems after a separate earthquake hit just one week before, killing five people, injuring 50 more, and leaving hundreds homeless.

The Salvation Army has reported that the latest series of earthquakes has added another 33 families to those without homes and requiring immediate assistance.

One of the Salvation Army’s workers in the region, Lieut-Colonel Susan McMillan reported that the teams are extremely busy giving out relief aid in Lamas. The work is immediately being directed at those whose homes and streets are 70 percent destroyed.

Across Lamas, although many homes appear to have withstood the earthquake and are standing, they have been condemned as unsafe and are uninhabitable. Even though families there have few possessions, many do not want to leave their houses for fear of losing the little they do have, and are risking their lives to remain.

|PIC2|A feeding centre has been set up where hot meals are being provided for those affected in the region, and the Salvation Army is being aided by a US$25,000 grant from the International Headquarters based in London.

Distribution of basic first-response needs, blankets, cooking sets and cleaning materials are among those being offered by the international relief teams.

The Salvation Army report how there is a feeling of desperation that has arisen in the region after help from outside the city has been slow in arriving. Many are even sleeping on the streets or in tents.

Emergency evaluations of homes are also being carried out by the Salvation Army assessment team, and they are now also seeking funding to rebuild the damaged properties.

The Salvation Army is asking for donations, and if you can help please visit by clicking here