Peru Earthquake - August 2007

Over 800 people were killed and 85,000 left homeless after an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale devastated three cities on the southern coast of Peru in August 2007. The earthquake and aftershocks caused enormous human and material damage. SCIAF, through Caritas Peru, has been working non-stop to support and rescue people caught up in the disaster.

The earthquake destroyed homes, drinking water facilities, public sanitation and health and educational infrastructure. Over 70% of Pisco, the city closest to the quake’s epicentre, was levelled leaving tens of thousands without shelter during one of the coldest winters on record.

With the support of the Scottish public, SCIAF has contributed just under £25,000. This has been used to help affected communities with emergency supplies. SCIAF’s local partners on the ground have been working constantly to set up lines of communication, rescue victims and get supplies to the areas where help is needed most. The severity of the weather means immediate priorities include providing tents, blankets, clothing, food, water, cooking utensils and medicine to those affected.

SCIAF’s contribution has helped over 8000 families - approximately 40,000 individual people – in the provinces of Pisco, Ica, Chincha, Canete and Huaytara to meet their nutritional needs. Our Food for Work Programme provides food and nutritional support to the families of those helping to rebuild damaged homes and infrastructure while Community Kitchens provides food to those unable to work.

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