So far, World Vision has assisted an estimated 2,900 families in three of the quake zone's hardest-hit municipalities.

August 21, 2007

By Yadira Pacheco, Communications Coordinator


Electricity and phone service is being gradually restored in Peru's Ica province, the region hardest hit by a massive 8.0-magnitude earthquake on Aug. 15. But water systems will take longer to repair, World Vision staff members report. Aid groups, including World Vision, are making a concerted effort to alleviate the great need for water, food, and shelter.

Damages and deaths are reportedly centered in the Ica province, including the municipalities of Chincha, Pisco, Ica, and Imperial, where adobe homes collapsed, burying occupants under the rubble. Hundreds were killed, thousands injured, and at least 100,000 left homeless by the quake's destruction.

Sponsored Children, Staff Safe

World Vision's office in Peru was able to communicate with field staff in the country after the disaster. "We have been in contact with our staff and the children in World Vision programs, and all are reported safe," says Caleb Meza, World Vision's national director for Peru.

World Vision had no programs or staff in the quake zone, but two of our relief teams arrived there with supplies in fewer than 24 hours following the quake.

"It is important that people get medical supplies," says one of our staff members in Peru. "The greatest needs right now are for blankets and warm clothing. It is winter season here."

World Vision's Response

One World Vision team from Bolivia arrived by plane in fewer than 22 hours after the quake; it was the first relief team to reach the isolated, quake-damaged community of Longar, where communications had been cut and there was no electricity. Staff distributed blankets to 50 families who were facing a second night outdoors in temperatures as low as 48 degrees Fahrenheit.

Trucks were also dispatched to quake-devastated areas to deliver various other relief items, including pain medication, antibiotics, medical supplies for minor surgeries, shoes, warm clothing, soap, and towels.

Water Cisterns Installed

Our teams report that three water cisterns are now installed in three of Ica province's hardest-hit municipalities: Ica city, Chincha, and Pisco. To date, World Vision has provided emergency assistance to an estimated 2,900 families in these areas. Our plan is to assist at least 10,000 families, if funding permits.

In Ica city, the capital of the province by the same name, World Vision distributed 27,000 liters of water to 1,500 thirsty families in four outlying neighborhoods over the weekend.

Meanwhile, more than 755 families received blankets, shoes, clothing, and hygiene kits in Chincha and Pisco this weekend. Sixty tents also were delivered to the two sites, and additional food packages and hygiene kits are en route to Pisco.

The Aftermath

World Vision staff members in Peru are continuing to coordinate with the Peruvian government as needs are assessed.

The quake death toll now stands in the hundreds. In the hours since the initial earthquake, aftershocks measuring up to 6.3 on the Richter scale were reported.

Ninety percent of the Ica province's estimated population of 700,000 had their homes destroyed or damaged. Electricity was cut, phone lines downed, and running water supplies disrupted. In Ica city, home to an estimated 200,000 people, a quarter of the buildings were destroyed, and 85 percent of downtown Pisco was reportedly destroyed, including a church where hundreds of worshippers were killed or injured.

World Vision began helping the people of Peru in 1965 through a series of pastors' conferences. Child sponsorship began in 1975. We operate more than two dozen development programs in Peru, and our sponsors in the United States assist more than 20,000 children and their families there.