Recipient: Instituto Nacional de
Defensa Civil (INDECI)
Shipment Date: 8/19/2002 Value: $88,107
Since the beginning of July, temperatures
in the southern region of Peru have dropped to well below normal accompanied
by snowstorms, torrential rains, hailstorms, and intense winds. These extreme
conditions have killed over 60 people and have affected the lives of over
70,000 through the destruction of homes, crops, and livestock. Southern
Peru is inhabited mostly by indigenous subsistence farmers who have little
means of obtaining additional fuel or clothing to stay warm. Many who are
already suffering from malnutrition or other compromising health problems
are extremely susceptible to illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis,
which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
At the specific request of the Peruvian Consulate in Los Angeles, Direct Relief provided a disaster module donated by Bristol-Myers Squibb, over 30,000 tablets of antibiotics, 700 IV sets, 2,000 syringes, 100 plastic tarps, and 300 wool blankets to the Peruvian Civil Defense for distribution to hospitals, clinics, and shelters attending to the victims of this unusual cold wave.