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Red
Cross Red Crescent scales up its response to Peru quake 21 August 2007 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has significantly increased its appeal for emergency funds to assist the survivors of last week’s deadly earthquake in Peru. More than 5.6 million Swiss francs ($4.7 million USD / €3.4 million) are now being sought to provide help to around 37,500 people over the next nine months. The International Federation’s original preliminary appeal, launched on 17 August, was for 1.6 million Swiss francs ($1.3 million USD / €980,000) and aimed to support 20,000 people. “The situation in the hard-hit areas of Pisco and Ica remains difficult for the thousands of families who lost their homes and belongings in the disaster,” says Giorgio Ferrario, the International Federation’s regional representative in Lima. “The remoteness of the affected area, damage to roads and the desperate situation of so many people has led to insecurity and prevented humanitarian distributions in some areas. The authorities have taken steps to reinforce law and order and ensure that relief reaches those who need it most.” An air bridge has been established to transport relief goods by plane from the Peruvian capital of Lima to Pisco. So far, three plane loads of humanitarian assistance, including blankets, tents, jerry cans, plastic sheeting and hygiene items have been sent by the International Federation from its Pan-American Disaster Relief Unit (PADRU) in Panama to Lima for transport to the quake zone. The Peruvian Red Cross, which has been responding to the disaster since it happened, has set up a base camp in Pisco, including a temporary warehouse to store incoming relief items. Disaster management specialists, logistics experts and relief delegates have also been deployed to the region. In addition, two of the International Federation’s Emergency Response Units (ERUs) have been sent to Peru to provide support in the areas of relief and logistics, including receiving and transporting goods, as well as distributing them and assessing needs. Funds from the revised emergency appeal will be used to provide essential items, such as blankets and water containers, to vulnerable families, as well as psychosocial support and water purification equipment. An assessment team will be sent out in the coming days to establish the early recovery needs of affected people. “This is the fourth Peruvian earthquake we’ve responded to in the past decade,” says Peter Rees, the International Federation’s acting deputy director of disaster management. “Our experience has shown that disaster preparedness and coordination among the authorities, aid agencies and communities are key to responding quickly and efficiently.” For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Susana Arroyo, Regional Communications Officer (Peru) Tel: + 511 221 8151/ + 511 97 55 5772 Manuel Rodriguez, Regional Communications Officer (PADRU) Tel: + 507 316 1001/ + 507 66 79 4334 Anna Nelson, Communications Officer (Geneva) Tel: + 41 22 730 4381 Out-of-hours duty phone (Geneva) Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 185 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. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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