(September 4, 2007) As Peru continues to rebuild after a large earthquake struck villages south of Lima on August 15, 2007, here is the latest news:

• Our emergency team reports that earthquake survivors in the region are most affected by freezing temperatures, harsh living conditions and are suffering from a huge lack of basic services. The number of schools damaged is expected to exceed the 1,000 schools that were originally noted in the media.
• The earthquake destroyed 56,363 houses and 14 hospitals. 200,000 families remain homeless.
• Several mobile hospitals have been set up in Pisco and the Minister of Health is carrying out a vaccination campaign in shelters (tetanus, influenza, hepatitis).
• Transportation of aid is easier as the Ministry of Transport and Communications reports that all roads blocked by rubble have now been cleared.
• According to the Ministry of Education, 150 temporary school classrooms have been erected throughout the region.  The Minister of Education is due to arrive in the region on September 4 to officially reopen schools, although there is still inadequate space to accommodate all students. 
• SUNASS, the National Water and Sanitation Authority, announced that drinkable water supply is available at 45% of full capacity in Pisco, 65% in Chincha, 85% in Cañete and 100% in Ica, Parcona and Palpa.
• The UN issued an appeal to donors on August 28th for $36.9 million USD for six months. It will be used to cover all emergency needs but with a special focus on  early recovery, protection of children, and emergency telecommunications, which have not received any funds so far.
• Peruvian Photographer Mario Testino is to auction a print of Diana, Princess of Wales, in order to raise money for Save the Children's Peru Earthquake Appeal. Read the story 

Overview of Save the Children’s Emergency Response To Date

• 2,500 people (500 families including approx 1,250 children) have now received 500 kitchen kits, 1,000 blankets and 60 tents (for protection from cold weather). Further distributions are planned.
• In the town of Pueblo Nuevo, Chincha province, 3000 families have received food and materials (15 tons of rice, 3 tons of cooking oil, 1,000 large tubs for storing water and 3,000 packets of biscuits). We will be able to provide aid to this community again on September 7 (each family will receive 5kgs lentils, 5kgs of rice and 1 litre of cooking oil.)
• Save the Children now has experts in field operations, child protection, finance and communications in place in Chincha province.

CIDA Provides $200,000 Grant
Save the Children Canada has received a grant for $200,000 CAD from CIDA and $63,000 from private donations that will be used to provide immediate relief to earthquake-affected children and families in Chincha province, Peru. This project will provide 7,000 families (approximately 47,000 people) with improved protection against the elements and help them to be better able to perform basic household functions.

Archive:

An Update on Peru Emergency Response   (August 23, 2007)

Save the Children Responds to Deadly Earthquake in Peru Initial Report (August 20, 2007)