Red Cross Red Crescent calls for more action in Peru one month after earthquake
26 July 2001

Freezing temperatures in Peru's highlands in the southwest pose continued problems for victims of last month's earthquake living without adequate shelter, food and sanitation, warns the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies.

One month on after the devastating earthquake, thousands of people in particularly remote and difficult-to-reach rural areas, are still in need of protection from the bitterly cold nights in the highlands as well as food and access to health care. In response to the continuing needs, the International Federation has today extended its appeal for the Peru earthquake from just over 2 million to 4.7 million Swiss francs to help 55,000 people for the next six months. The money will be used to target the most affected areas in Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna in the south-west.

"There may not be as many casualties in Peru as in other earthquakes this year, but the consequences on the people here are immeasurable. They have lost homes, livelihoods and are left with a badly damaged health system at a time when exposure to the elements has resulted in ever increasing numbers of respiratory illnesses as well as diarrhea," says Luis Luna, Peru programme coordinator at the Federation.
The disaster on June 23 destroyed more than 18,000 houses, damaged another 30,000 and left 71 people dead and another 64 still missing after a tremor measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit the South American country.

The Peruvian Red Cross responded immediately by helping in the search and rescue of those trapped under debris and then by distributing relief supplies including tents, tarpaulins, blankets and food. But continued assessments have shown that there are still outstanding needs, especially in rehabilitation. Houses, health centres, schools and irrigation canals need to be repaired and help is needed for farmers who lost seeds and tools and fishermen, their boats and nets.

In response, the International Federation and the Peruvian Red Cross will begin by distributing food parcels to 25,000 people for one month, while non-food items such as tents, blankets and hygiene parcels will be provided for more than 10,000 families.

To address some of the urgent health needs of the population in the areas, medical brigades are already in place to treat the sick and wounded. Meanwhile, a water and sanitation programme will provide clean drinking water for 5,000 people, install water tanks in areas where wells have been contaminated and build latrines in places where it is needed.

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

Eva Calvo, Information Officer (Geneva) Tel: +41 22 730 4357 / + 41 79 217 3372

Jemini Pandya, Information Officer (Geneva) Tel: +41 22 730 4570/ + 41 79 217 3374

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.