Peru earthquake
24 June 2001

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is preparing an international appeal to support the Peruvian Red Cross emergency operation for victims of the severe earthquake which struck southern Peru on June 23, leaving some 50 people dead and more than 800 injured.

Volunteers and staff from the Peruvian Red Cross were immediately mobilized to assist victims of the strong tremor, measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale (according to the Peru Geophysical Institute). Its epicentre was located in the Pacific Ocean close to the Peruvian coast. It lasted more than one minute and was felt in Bolivia and Chile. Roads, telephone and electricity lines have been damaged and communication is very difficult.
According to the latest information from Peruvian Red Cross headquarters in Lima, the towns most affected are :

Arequipa, (pop about 700,000) 750 kilometres south east of Lima. Two thirds of water lines are being re-established, 40% of electricity and telephones are beginning to function. Roads are heavily damaged
Moquegua (pop 97,000), south east of Arequipa -1200 kilometres from Lima - where almost 90% of the houses were damaged - of those, 40% are completely destroyed. Water distribution systems, electrical and telephones lines are cut. A Peruvian radio club is the only link to the outside world. Some 200 injured are reported in Moquegua alone. Roads are also severely damaged.

Tacna, south of Moquegua. More than 200 people are injured - 30 of them very seriously.
The coastal city of Camana was hit by a tsunami (tidal wave). One person died and 30 are missing.
The cities of Ilo and Mollendo are also reported to be seriously damaged

In Arequipa, some 100 Peruvian Red Cross volunteers are evacuating victims, searching for survivors in the rubble, giving first aid and transporting the injured to hospital. A Federation/Peruvian Red Cross team is on its way to Moquegua and Arequipa to help the Peruvian Red Cross assess needs and damages. The team was in Peru, coordinating a relief operation for flood victims in Puno, near the Bolivian border.

The Federation is prepared to deploy emergency response units (water and sanitation as well as logistics units) as soon as more detailed information arrives on needs, and the Federation logistics base in Panama is on standby to send emergency relief goods. The Peruvian government has called for international assistance.

The climate in the region is currently cold and wintery, typical of the altiplano. Emergency needs include blankets and tents (shelter material) as well as food and water. Water is an especially crucial problem in Moquegua.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer Tel : +41 22 730 4346/ + 41 79 416 3881

Cecilia Goin, Information Officer Tel : + 41 79 217 3345

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.