Caritas Australia is receiving donations for the emergency relief efforts in aid of an estimated 100,000 residents of Southern Peru made homeless following the June 23 earthquake that measured 7.9 on the Richter scale.
Harsh winter conditions, with nighttime temperatures in the affected area dropping below freezing have left those affected particularly vulnerable. Thousands of people are camped in public parks and stadiums because the earthquake destroyed their homes or through fear of aftershocks.
The destruction was compounded by a series of 26 aftershocks on Sunday, some measuring as much as 6.2 on the Richter scale.
At least 100 people were killed and more than 1000 injured in the worst affected areas of Tacna-Moquegua, Arequipa, and parts of southern Ayacucho. The earthquake destroyed lines of communication in these parts of the country and it is expected that once these lines are reopened and access to information is restored, the numbers of dead and injured will rise.
- More than 60,000 homes have been destroyed, mostly in remote, rural areas
- Many of these areas have no power or water, and limited, if any, telephone contact
- Roads and bridges are impassable due to debris from the earthquake and some areas have only helicopter access
- Damage to water infrastructure has made water rationing necessary in Arequipa
- More than 350 people are being treated in local hospitals in Arequipa and Tacna
- Some 97,000 people have been forced from their homes into the harsh winter weather
The President of the Bishops Conference of Peru has called for national and international support for those suffering as a consequence of the earthquake.
All donations will be channelled through Caritas Peru and will be used to provide emergency assistance, in the form of:
- Clothing
- Blankets
- Kitchen utensils
- Non-perishable food, and
- Medicines
Donations can be sent to Caritas Australia, 19 MacKenzie Street, North Sydney, NSW, 2060 or GPO Box 9830 in your Capital City. Donations can be made by telephone on 1800 024 413.
Caritas Australia is the development and overseas aid agency of the Catholic Church in Australia.
For further information: Kate Temby (Communications Coordinator) on 02 9956 5799 or 0417 284 831
To make a donation please call Caritas Australia toll free on 1800 024 413