Peru - Earthquake Fact Sheet #5, Fiscal Year (FY) 2001

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BUREAU FOR HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE (BHR)
OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (OFDA)

Background

According to the US Geological Survey, on June 23, 2001, at approximately 3:33 pm local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.4 on the Richter Scale occurred near the Peruvian coastline some 120 miles west of Arequipa or about 375 miles southeast of Lima, the Peruvian capital. A tsunami subsequently struck along the coastal department of Arequipa, with ocean water surging one half-mile inland. The earthquake was also felt in northern Chile and western Bolivia. Press reports indicate that the earthquake lasted more than one minute. Consistent with expected seismic activity following earthquakes of this magnitude, aftershocks continue to occur, including 3 aftershocks between magnitude 6 and 7, 13 between magnitude 5 and 6, and more than 600 smaller tremors.

Numbers Affected

As of July 5, the Peruvian Civil Defense Institute (INDECI) is reporting that 75 people were killed, 2,687 were injured, and 64 residents are missing. These numbers may change as more definitive information is received from remote locations. Estimates by INDECI indicate that a total of 217,053 people have been affected, most of whom were left without shelter. An estimated 35,549 homes suffered some damage, while a further 17,510 homes were destroyed. The displacement of residents is of particular concern to local officials as overnight temperatures in the affected highland areas can drop below freezing.

Current Situation

Overview

The Government of Peru (GOP) has established an operations center in Arequipa to coordinate emergency services, and has allocated all available national resources to respond. An Executive Emergency Commission has been formed, which includes the President and most of the government Ministers.

On June 24, Peruvian President Valentin Paniagua declared a state of emergency in the departments of Arequipa (population 1,036,000), Moquegua (population 143,000), and Tacna (population 262,000), as well as in the southern provinces of Parinacochas and Páucar del Sara Sara in the department of Ayacucho (population 520,000). President Paniagua has asked for international assistance in responding to the needs of those impacted by the earthquake and tsunami.

The Peruvian Red Cross (RCP) has 500 volunteers and staff conducting search and recovery operations, caring for the injured, and assisting those suffering health effects from exposure to severe weather. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) estimates that relief teams have still not reached about 20 per cent of the affected population living in remote rural areas.

The Ministry of Welfare (PROMUDEH) sent teams to the affected areas to conduct food needs assessments. In some areas, community kitchens are operating, preparing and distributing 340 metric tons (MT) of food delivered by the GOP's National Program for Food Assistance, enough to feed 75,000 persons for ten days.

The Ministry of Health (MINSA) sent teams to the affected areas with additional medicines and supplies, as well as sanitary technicians to conduct damage assessments of the water systems.

MINSA has started a prevention campaign concerning respiratory infections, diarrhea, dehydration, water purification, and food handling. There has been an increase in the number of gastrointestinal and diarrheal cases reported. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that in Andean areas of the department of Tacna, respiratory infections have tripled. USAID/OFDA reports a similar trend in Arequipa department. UNICEF reports indicate a 12% and 30% increase in infectious respiratory diseases in Arequipa and Moquegua departments respectively.

INDECI established an air-bridge between Lima and Arequipa and GOP aircraft have been dispatched to the affected areas carrying more than 715 metric tons (MT) of relief supplies, including chlorine tablets, medical equipment, blankets, tents, and canned food.

The GOP has deployed military personnel to patrol the streets and to help clear the rubble.

The GOP has allocated $215 million to emergency relief ($70 million) and reconstruction ($145 million). The funds will come from loans provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and the Andean Development Corporation.

Damages/Assessments

Most of the housing stock in the affected areas is of adobe construction. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) reports that structural damage to housing is more severe than can be observed from the street. The IFRC and the RCP report that an estimated 90% of the houses in Moquegua suffered some damage, and of these 75% are either uninhabitable or were destroyed. The neighborhood of San Francisco was especially hard hit. According to PAHO, the towns of Arequipa and Tacna suffered moderate damage to its housing stock. In Tacna, the USAID/OFDA assessment team reports that the most affected provinces are Candarave, Jorge Basadre, Tacna, and Tarata.

The coastal towns of Camana (population 20,000), Chala, and La Punta in Arequipa department have suffered severe damage from the tsunami that followed the initial earthquake. Approximately 2,500 hectares of agricultural land were destroyed as the ocean water surged one-half mile inland. The USAID/OFDA assessment team reports that nearly all buildings in the villages of Cerillos, La Punta, La Dehesa, and El Chorro were destroyed. UNICEF reports the similar destruction of the villages of Las Cuevas, Primavera, and Punta Nueva. All municipal services in these villages have been destroyed.

MINSA and PAHO report that in the affected departments of Arequipa, Ayacucho, Moquegua, and Tacna, 126 medical facilities, including hospitals and health posts, have been damaged or destroyed. PAHO reports that the Goyeneche Hospital in Arequipa and the Hipolito Unanue Hospital in Tacna had to be partially evacuated due to structural damage. PAHO further reports that 90% of the health facilities in the affected areas are operating, some with limited capacity. PAHO estimates damages to the health infrastructure at 20% in Arequipa, 25% in Moquegua, and 35% in Tacna. MINSA reports that repair or replacement of the damaged health infrastructure will cost an estimated $15.7 million, not including medical supplies or equipment.

MINSA is able to report on the status of 253 of the 335 water systems that serve the departments of Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna: 48 water systems have been destroyed serving 481,595 inhabitants; 103 water systems have suffered damage serving 75,201 inhabitants; and 102 water systems are functioning normally serving 119,195 inhabitants. PAHO reports that approximately 70% of the affected population in the department of Tacna lost access to potable water as a result of damage to the water system. In the town of Moquegua, PAHO reports that ongoing repairs to the collapsed water system have been successful in making 90% of the available water safe for consumption. PAHO reports that in the larger cities of Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna there are no significant problems concerning the water supply; however, in Ilo water pipes contaminated with iron are hampering distribution. In Camana province, potable water is being provided to the affected population by tanker truck, but the supply is reportedly insufficient. GOP estimates that full restoration of the water systems in all affected areas will take an additional 30 days.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines reports that electricity has been restored to the urban centers of Arequipa and Tacna; however, some rural areas remain without power. The thermoelectric plant in Moquegua will be out of service for several months. Electricity for Moquegua will be supplied from Macchu Picchu and Mantaro.

According to the USAID/OFDA assessment team, public services have been restored in the district of Punta de Bombon in the coastal province of Islay; however, the bridge leading to the city of Arequipa has collapsed.

In the department of Arequipa, the sections of Pan-American Highway leading to Lima that had been blocked by landslide damage and debris are now passable with some restrictions. The road between Arequipa and Moquegua continues to be interrupted in several locations. The bridge at Locumba connecting the southern departments of Moquegua and Tacna, which had collapsed, is now under repair. A number of rural roads are also in the process of being cleared, although access to remote areas remains difficult. The ports of Matarani and Ilo did not sustain major damage and are operational, as are the roads that connect these ports to other major areas. The airports of Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna are all reported to be operative. The Ministry of Transport estimates that $50 million will be required for road and bridge repairs.

The Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) indicates 40,843 hectares of cultivation, 255 miles of irrigation canal, 77 reservoirs, 190 distribution canals, 52 wells, and 57 miles of rural road have been damaged. An estimated $3.3 million will be required to repair this damage. According to Save the Children (NGO UK), repair of the canals is essential for the success of the sowing season, which will begin in mid-July.

UNICEF estimates that 1,000 schools have been damaged in the affected areas, and that intact schools are being used as temporary shelters. As such, classes have been temporarily suspended. The Ministry of Education (MINEDU) anticipates schools to reopen in mid-July, using temporary tents to facilitate the resumption of classes, and in some cases transferring students to other educational facilities. MINEDU estimates the damage to educational infrastructure to be approximately $55 million.

Multilateral Organization Response

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has mobilized a U.N. Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDAC), and is working to support the Peruvian national authorities and other donors to assess the most urgent needs of the affected local population. UNOCHA released $30,000 in an emergency grant for immediate relief assistance.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator and Swiss Disaster Relief (SDR) have established a joint coordination cell within the office of UNDP in Lima. A joint UN-SDR field liaison cell has been established in Arequipa.

UNICEF, in cooperation with the GOP, is supporting the delivery of antibiotics, fever and pain medicine, and oral re-hydration salts for an initial 1,200 persons for two months, overseeing a nutrition program including infant food for children between six months and three years of age, preparing and distributing 5,000 school backpacks with basic supplies for children and 500 school packets for teachers, and conducting a social surveillance to identify and assist children in affected communities, especially in remote areas. UNICEF has issued an initial appeal for $1 million to support its emergency relief efforts in Peru.

PAHO disaster experts are supporting MINSA and INDECI authorities in assessing immediate needs, evaluating damages, and providing health services to affected populations. PAHO has issued an appeal for $605,000 to support its emergency assistance efforts.

The World Food Program has made available $200,000 in emergency funds for the local purchase of 339 MT of food. It is estimated that this will assist 20,000 food insecure families for one month.

IFRC released an appeal for $1.1 million to support the RCP emergency operation for victims of the earthquake. IFRC has airlifted emergency relief items including tents, blankets, and food from its logistics base in Panama.

The American Red Cross provided a cash donation to the RCP for the purchase of more than 27,000 blankets, 750 tents, and 250 rolls of plastic sheeting. The British Red Cross deployed two logisticians and the Japanese Red Cross sent a four-person medical team. The Spanish Red Cross has provided $25,000 to the RCP and the German Red Cross sent two tons of emergency relief supplies.

The IDB has prepared a $20 million emergency loan and provided a $50,000 grant for immediate medical relief. The IDB has also reformulated a portion of Peru's existing loans in the areas of urban infrastructure, roads, health and education, and will prepare additional medium-term financing for the reconstruction process.

Other Donors

The Governments of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama have provided emergency relief supplies including tents, blankets, medicines, emergency food packages, and airlift support.

The European Union, through its Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), is providing $1 million in humanitarian assistance to meet the emergency needs of the affected population. The funds are being utilized by NGOs to provide relief items, food aid, temporary shelter, medical support, potable water, and sanitation facilities.

The Government of Belgium has approved emergency assistance of $333,000 and shipment of relief supplies.

The Government of Canada is providing $280,000 in relief assistance directed through the IFRC, PAHO, and several NGOs for blankets, shelter, and health care.

The Government of France has provided emergency assistance including 1,000 blankets, 200 five-person tents, and 4,000 food rations.

The Government of Germany is providing $800,000 in emergency relief supplies and assistance towards the reconstruction of damaged housing.

The Government of Italy is providing $850,000 of emergency relief assistance.

The Government of Japan is providing 40 tents, 2,000 blankets, water tanks, generators and $500,000 in emergency grants.

The Government of Norway is providing $575,000 of emergency assistance through the IFRC.

The Government of Spain is providing $750,000 of emergency relief assistance including water purification tablets, blankets, temporary shelter, emergency food rations, cooking kits, and airlift support.

The Government of Sweden is providing $288,000 of emergency relief supplies.

The Government of Switzerland has approved $275,000 for emergency assistance and reconstruction.

The Government of the United Kingdom released $354,000 in emergency aid channeled through the British Red Cross to support recovery operations and shelter construction.

U.S. Government (USG) Assistance

USAID Personnel/Assessment Team

On June 24, a four-person USAID/OFDA assessment team arrived in Lima and then traveled to Tacna with U.S. Embassy and USAID/Lima personnel. A representative from PAHO accompanied the team. Three additional USAID/OFDA members augmented the team.

The assessment team, working in cooperation with INDECI and the local authorities, established its base in Tacna and has received three USAID/OFDA airlifts of relief supplies.

In cooperation with INDECI and MINSA, the team conducted damage and needs assessments from the air and on the ground in the affected communities of Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna departments, and is overseeing the disbursement of three USAID/OFDA airlifts of relief supplies to the affected population.

A USAID/OFDA assessment team member, deployed to Arequipa to provide additional coordination with the GOP operation center, traveled to the coastal provinces of Camana and Islay with a team including INDECI personnel and local firefighters to conduct damage and needs assessments.

The USAID/Lima Mission Director has conducted an on-site damage assessment to better determine rehabilitation and reconstruction needs.

USAID/OFDA Assistance

On June 24, U.S. Ambassador to Peru John Hamilton issued a disaster declaration due to the earthquake. In response, USAID/OFDA released $25,000 for the local purchase of emergency relief supplies, including building materials for the construction of temporary shelter and batteries for emergency generation of power.

On June 25, USAID/OFDA airlifted an initial package of relief supplies to the affected area, including 300 rolls of plastic sheeting for use in the construction of temporary shelter, 2,700 wool blankets, six 3,000-gallon water bladders and 5,200 five-gallon water jugs. All of these relief commodities were consigned to INDECI and distributed to the affected populations in the following towns in Moquegua and Tacna departments: Candarave (75 rolls of plastic sheeting, 100 water jugs, one water bladder, and 225 blankets); Quilahuani (60 rolls of plastic sheeting, 200 water jugs, and 250 blankets); Pallata (10 rolls of plastic sheeting, 50 water jugs, and 50 blankets); Talaca (15 rolls of plastic sheeting, 50 water jugs, and 75 blankets); Locumba (40 rolls of plastic sheeting, 500 water jugs, one water bladder, and 1,000 blankets); urban Moquegua (20 rolls of plastic sheeting, 500 water jugs, and 300 blankets); and rural Moquegua (80 rolls of plastic sheeting, 1,500 water jugs, four water bladders, and 1,000 blankets). Each roll of plastic sheeting can provide material sufficient for the construction of approximately four temporary shelters, each shelter capable of housing a family of five.

On June 28, USAID/OFDA airlifted a second package of relief supplies to the affected area, including 800 additional rolls of plastic sheeting for use in the construction of temporary shelter and 2,300 wool blankets. These relief supplies were consigned to INDECI and distributed to the affected populations in Moquegua and Tacna departments

On June 29, USAID/OFDA released $50,000 for the local purchase and transport of emergency relief supplies including temporary shelter materials. An additional $210,000 was subsequently provided by USAID/OFDA on July 3 for the local purchase of nails, tools, and wood posts. These supplies will be used in combination with plastic sheeting already airlifted by USAID/OFDA to affected areas for the continued construction of temporary shelters.

On July 4, USAID/OFDA airlifted a third package of relief supplies to the affected area, including 700 rolls of plastic sheeting for use in the construction of temporary shelter, 3,200 five-gallon water jugs, and 2,000 wool blankets. These relief supplies were consigned to INDECI for distribution to the affected populations in Moquegua and Tacna departments.

Other USG Assistance

Based upon a request received from the air police detachment commander in Pucallpa, the U.S. Department of State's Narcotics Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy (STATE/INL) provided 5,000 Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) with a value of approximately $25,000.

USAID/Food for Peace (FFP) is redirecting a total of 571 MT of food aid from warehouses in Lima and Puno to affected areas in Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna. Caritas, in cooperation with PROMUDEH, INDECI, and other local organizations, is distributing this food aid (consisting of bulgur, corn-soy blend, wheat flour, peas, and vegetable oil) in Moquegua and Tacna. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency, in cooperation with INDECI and other local organizations, is distributing this food aid (consisting of bulgur, corn-soy blend, peas, and vegetable oil) in Arequipa. The total value of this assistance is $250,700.

For more than 10 years, USAID/OFDA has provided extensive training in Peru and neighboring seismically active countries to increase their capacity to prepare for and respond to earthquakes and other natural disasters. Courses include Rescue from Collapsed Structures, Advanced First Aid, and Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis.

USAID/OFDA recently assisted the GOP in establishing a first responder program for southern Peru, working with Civil Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Voluntary Fire Fighter Corps.

Public Donation Information

In the interest of effective coordination of public response, USAID encourages the public to contact directly those private voluntary organizations (PVOs) currently working in the region to provide monetary donations.

Those interested in providing specific technical relief services or commodities should contact Volunteers in Technical Assistance's (VITA's) Disaster Information Center for information and guidelines at 703-276-1914.

USAID will not deviate from standard Denton Program procedures for transporting privately donated relief supplies. USAID will prioritize delivery of essential relief commodities. For more information on the Denton Program, please refer to the USAID website at http://www.usaid.gov/hum=5Fresponse/pvc/denton.html.

For additional information about the relief effort in Peru, please refer to the Natural Disasters section of ReliefWeb at http://www.reliefweb.int/. For a list of NGOs active in the relief effort in Peru, please refer to InterAction's website at http://www.interaction.org/peru/index.html.

The American Red Cross donations hotline is 1-800-HELP NOW.

USAID/OFDA fact sheets can be obtained from the USAID web site at http://www.usaid.gov/hum=5Fresponse/ofda/situation.html