Title: ELCA Supports Earthquake-Relief Efforts in Peru ELCA NEWS SERVICE
August 31, 2007
ELCA Supports Earthquake-Relief Efforts in Peru 07-150-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) responded to an appeal for funds from its Lutheran companion church in Peru to help 420 families affected by an Aug. 15 earthquake that struck the coast of Peru. Peruvian authorities indicated that 510 people died and about 1,600 were injured by the earthquake and its aftershocks.
ELCA Global Mission received a $38,773 appeal from the Peruvian Evangelical Lutheran Church (ILEP). Through its International Disaster Response, the ELCA sent $38,773 to the ILEP Aug. 24 to support the ILEP's distribution of food, tents, blankets, water and flashlights to families distressed by the earthquake.
Coordinated by ELCA Global Mission, International Disaster Response channels its funds through international church organizations and relief agencies. Funds provide for food, medicine, drinking water, emergency shelter and other materials for survivors of disasters.
"The most urgent needs are drinkable water, shelter, medicines, clothes and non-perishable food," said Dr. Belletech Deressa, director for international development and disaster response, ELCA Global Mission. About 16,670 families were affected, mostly by the loss of their homes, she said.
"Water is being brought from Lima to Pisco and Chincha, Peru, by tanker trucks. Food distribution is being organized with the support of the government's national food program. The governments of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Panama have already sent in-kind support directly to the airport in Pisco," said Deressa.
"Hospitals are overwhelmed. The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in the region of Ica and the province of Canete. The National Institute for Civil Defense in Peru has formed an emergency committee in Pisco, the hardest hit city. Additional medical staff was also sent to the region," Deressa said.
Earthquake-affected areas include the regions of Ica, Lima and Huancavelica. The regions include a large number of villages, towns and cities dispersed among numerous valleys, said Deressa.
INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS:
Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors of major disasters outside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include: ELCA International Disaster Response, PO Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764, 1-800-638-3522 and http://www.ELCA.org/disaster/idrgive on the Internet.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog