190,000 Left homeless by Peru earthquake
3 July 2001

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates that up to 190,000 people have been left homeless by the violent earthquake that struck Peru on June 23. Government figures indicate at least 115 people are dead and approximately 1,600 injured. Fifteen Red Cross evaluation teams have been deployed in the country, and as they reach isolated rural areas, the numbers of reported victims rise. Some 800 Peruvian Red Cross volunteers, with support from Federation delegates, are distributing relief items to survivors in the departments of Arequipa and Moquegua. Travel and communications remain difficult.

The Federation is particularly concerned about those left homeless since they have to face very cold wintry nights, when temperatures often fall below the freezing point. The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) is reporting a sharp increase in respiratory infections. Tents, blankets, food and clothes are the priority needs for earthquake victims.

Four planeloads of emergency goods, purchased by the International Federation, have already arrived in Arequipa from the Federation's Pan American Disaster Unit (PADRU) logistics base in Panama, and two more will be on their way in the next few hours. Apart from tents and blankets, these flights will also contain medicines and kitchen utensils. A ship, destined for Peru, has left Panama with a Federation cargo of additional relief supplies.

Emergency relief is arriving from all parts of the world as Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies send funds, goods or delegates to support the Peruvian Red Cross emergency operation. The Federation launched a two-million-Swiss-franc appeal on June 25. Some 14 delegates are in Arequipa, which is serving as a field base for the emergency operation. Some will also travel to Moquegua, Tacna and Camana, where other field offices have been opened to coordinate the distribution of emergency relief to victims in those regions, which were among those most affected.

The Peruvian Red Cross' national appeal is receiving widespread response from people all over the country. Volunteers have already sorted and sent two tonnes of clothes to Arequipa and another five tonnes are currently being sorted in Lima. Red Cross volunteers are also preparing family food parcels to provide basic food rations for one month. They contain milk, sugar, rice, pasta, oatmeal, salt, beans and chocolate. The International Federation will launch a revised appeal as soon as all the assessments have been completed, which will include funding for medium and long-term rehabilitation.

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

Eva Calvo, Information Officer (Geneva) Tel: +41 22 730 4357 / + 41 79 217 3345
Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer(Geneva) Tel: +41 22 730 4346 / + 41 79 416 3881
Cecilia Goin, Information delegate (Arequipa) Tel: + 51 54 22 03 56

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.