Vatican City - Caritas Internationalis
has launched an emergency appeal to help the people affected by Sunday's
earthquake in southern Peru.
Immediately after the quake struck,
Caritas Peru, a member of the Caritas Internationalis Confederation, began
assessing the needs of the survivors, especially those in remote rural
areas.
From its headquarters in Vatican City, Caritas Internationalis has appealed to its confederation members for over USD 600,000 to help Caritas Peru assist victims of the disaster.
According to initial reports from staff in the field, the most extensive damage occurred in Moquegua, Tacna and Arequipa. In Moquegua over 30,000 people have been affected and more than half of the homes have been damaged or destroyed. The nation's infrastructure has been seriously damaged, and many roads and bridges are currently impassable, complicating relief efforts.
The funds from the Confederation-wide appeal will be used to meet the immediate food and medical needs of more than 5,000 families from impoverished sectors. Money will also be earmarked for future reconstruction projects.
Caritas Peru, active since 1955, has more than 50 branch organisations operating throughout Peru. It is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of Catholic relief, development and social service organisations present in over 198 countries and territories.
For more information contact:
Lynn Yuill
Head of Communications
Caritas Internationalis
Yuill@caritas.va
+39.06.698.79725