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Peru

Peru: Earthquake OCHA Situation Report No. 8

This situation report is based on information received from UN Agencies, the UN Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) in Peru and the Peruvian Civil Defense.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Preliminary results of UN Inter-Agency Assessment: priority needs identified are dry latrines, housing materials (wood, plastic roofs), blankets, clothing and disposable surgery materials. In addition, a public hygiene campaign (such as radio spots) has been recommended to educate the population on clean water, hygiene, and food to avoid epidemics.

2. Ministry of Trade and Tourism: agro-exports in the emergency area have recovered to 70% of their pre-earthquake capacity. Economic activity in the area is expected to gradually regain full capacity as power supply is restored.

3. The Minister of Agriculture ruled out any possibility of scarcity in the country due to the earthquake, highlighting that food prices are normal and that in general crops in the Ica region have not been damaged.

4. An Emergency Food Security Assessment (EFSA) is taking place this week in the affected areas, in particular focusing on isolated communities.

SITUATION

1. At 11:40:58 PM UTC/GMT (Greenwich time) 6:34:56 PM local time on August 15, an earthquake measuring 7.9 degrees in the Richter scale struck in the Department of Ica. The epicenter was 25 miles (61 kilometers) west-northwest of Chincha Alta, Peru, and 90 miles (161 kilometers) south-southeast of Lima, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was 30.2 km depth (18.8 miles). The effects were also strongly felt in Lima capital.

2. The last official report issued by the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) informs on the situation up to August 22, 07:00 hrs:

NATIONAL RESPONSE

3. The Mayor of the town of Laraos (province of Yauyos, Lima) announced that the earthquake has destroyed 40% of the homes, stating that his jurisdiction has yet to receive emergency assitance. The district of Laraos is located in the province of Yauyos, south of Lima. The Mayor of Laraos also reported that an extensive census is being undertaken, to assess home damages one by one. This effort is being coordinated with the Defensa Civil de Huancayo and will also include assistance from local workers. Some 4 or 5 experienced civil construction workers will also assist, to ensure that work is undertaken in an orderly manner.

4. The Government of Peru offered 800 nuevos soles (US$ 253) to family members of the injured during the earthquake. This subsidy will be distributed once only to family members of the injured transferred to Lima for medical attention. The subsidy is meant to assist in covering costs incurred by family members accompanying the injured in Lima. Resources were transferred to INDECI for the disbursement of this financial assistance.

5. According to the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, agro-exports in the emergency area have recovered to 70% of their pre-earthquake capacity. Economic activity in the area is expected to gradually regain full capacity as power supply is restored. In the textile sector, the main companies located in Ica and Chincha have also restarted their activity, although not at 100%.

Water Supply and Sanitation

6. With the help of SEDAPAL (Lima Water Corporation) specialists and others, water service is being gradually reestablished in the cities of Imperial (Cañete) and Chincha (Ica). Some 40% of the population of Imperial is now receiving water service, but most of the people are still supplied by tankers.

7. In other towns in the province of Cañete, department of Lima, such as Lunahuana and San Luis, there are shortages in water service. In Chilca, supply is assured by tankers due to the lack of power.

8. In Pisco, water is supplied in tankers in the 14 points where aid is being distributed. SEDAPAL is working full time to reestablish water service.

9. In Chinca, water supply has been restored.

10. The institution responsible for potable water and sanitation is working with 4 tankers distributing water in districts of Imperial and Cerro Azul in provinces of Cañete, department of Lima. In districts of San Vicente de Cañete (department of Lima), water and sanitation supply has returned to normal.

Electricity and Energy

11. The Minister of Energy and Mining reported that in Chincha 60% of street lights and 40% of domestic supply are working normally. In Ica, 95% of street lighting and 50% of domestic power supply are working, while water supply is totally restored. In Pisco, electric power is currently reaching 30% of street lighting and 15% of homes. Power service is improving by the day and it is expected to be totally operational in 10 to 15 days, except in Pisco where it could take a little longer (20 days).

12. The gas company "Calidda", contributed a US$ 200,000 donation that includes food, blankets, tents, medicines, water and power generators.

Shelter and NFRI

13. INDECI has established 17 shelters in Pisco and 8 shelters in Chincha. INDECI has also established 9 distrubution centers in Pisco and 4 in Chincha.

14. INDECI delivered 2,5 tons of humanitarian aid (tents, matresses, blankets, water, a lighting tower and medicines).

15. Donations received by INDECI at the National Stadium (Lima), have been delivered to affected areas (1,128.29 tons). There is an urgent call for the delivery of water, tents, food, blankets and other relevant articles in Huancavelica.

16. The Ministry of Women and Social Development delivered from PRONAA warehouse in Lima, 6,5 tons of rice and 11 tons of food to Cañete. From August 16th to August 18th, the Ministry of Women and Social Development, distributed 28 tons of clothes.

Infrastructure

17. The Bank of Materials (government entity financing affordable housing for people with scarce resources) will monitor closely the reconstruction of cities affected by the earthquake in order to ensure that new buildings and houses are solid and earthquake-resistant. A comprehensive reconstruction plan is being developed which will channel both internal funds and foreign aid.

18. Irrigation infrastructure in the provinces of Huyatará and northern Castrovirreyna (department of Huancavelica) has been damaged, in addition to 40% of homes. 35% of the medical clinics in the area have been damaged.

Basic Education

19. In Huancavelica, community centers will be used as temporary class rooms during the reconstruction phase.

20. Ica's Regional Director of Education, reported that in the cities of Ica and Chincha only approximately 5,000 prefabricated classrooms will be needed.

21. In Ica, 80 schools were reportedly damaged and that more than a 154 prefabricated classrooms are needed. In Chincha, there is a requirement for 36 education centers and 324 classrooms. The Director announced that classes will resume on August 27 in Palpa and Nasca, however resuming classes in Ica, Chincha and Pisco have not yet been announced.

22. The Minister of Education informed that in Lima 95% of schools are working normally, in spite of the damages caused by the earthquake to some of the schools. In Pisco, the Ministry of Education's staff is working to set up 56 prefabricated classrooms in four educational institutions: Banderas Peruanas (26), Miguel Grau (16), Hilda Bringas (6) and Tupac Amaru (8). The rest of 116 classrooms will be used in Chincha and Ica.

23. The Ministry of Education is assessing the damages in schools within the affected areas with a team from the Ministry of Economy and Finances. The team is also elaborating technical documents for schools reconstruction with resources from the contigency fund created by the Peruvian Government in response to the crisis.

Agriculture and Food

24. The Minister of Agriculture ruled out any possibility of scarcity in the country due to the earthquake. He said that food prices are normal and that in general crops in the Ica region have not been damaged, but many irrigation ditches and wells in Pisco have been damaged.

UN RESPONSE

UN Presence in affected locations

25. The total number of UN staff in the field from various agencies is 27 (PAHO/WHO, CEPIS (Panamerican Center for Sanitary Engineering and Environmental Sciences), UNDSS, UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, USAR, UNDAC, OCHA and FAO). In Pisco,

10 agencies have deployed staff members; in Ica there is one remaining UN staff member. Some staff members of WHO/PAHO, CEPIS, UNDP and WFP have returned to Lima while WFP, UNICEF and FAO have reinforced their presence in the field.

UN Assessments

26. UN Inter-Agency Assessment Priority needs: dry latrines, housing materials (wood, plastic roofs), blankets, clothing and disposable surgery materials. In addition, a public hygiene campaign (such as a radio spot) has been recommended to educate the population to on clean water hygiene and food to avoid epidemics.

27. In Pisco, the needs identified by the UN field assessment mission include: water, medicines, psychological support, dry latrines, tents, lime, sanitary assistance in the shelters and information on clean water hygiene.

28. WFP report need for cereals, soup and oil (in boxes or bags for ease of storage; perishable products have been received but are quickly spoiled.

29. Transportation and logistic support is crucial to reach further isolated areas. The security situation has improved and is under the control of the Armed Forces

30. Preliminary findings of UN inter-agency assessments in Ica and Pisco areas (and UNICEF staff in Huancavelica) are as follows:

Water and Sanitation

Ica: According to the PAHO/CEPIS team, the situation has improved since the previous day. Pumping stations are 100% operational and the sewage system is also working. Huancavelica: UNICEF reported that the situation is normal, with health services and latrines working as usual. A shipment of water was recently received. Pisco: There is an improvement of coordination with the Ministry of Health Operations Center. There is adequate number of doctors and medical staff providing assistance. The Regional Hospital is functioning as normal. Water supply is good and has been provided through tankers. In the shelters, large water distributors have been installed and 56 professionals from SEDAPAL (Lima's water company) are supporting the repair of the water system. 15 latrines are located in the air-base, though the main problem remains in Pisco itself. More latrines are gradually being implemented in the shelters; however, more lime is needed.

Food

Ica and Huancavelica: UN staff noticed that delivery of rations is unequal. In Huancavelica the need for food aid is greater while in Pisco, though theer is now sufficient food aid, problems in food distribution have also been reported. Three distribution points have been established by the army in Pisco.

Infrastructure

Ica: UN staff members report that no shelter has been set up yet. Electric power is working in 85% of the city and removal of debris has started. Pisco: Power supply coverage is at present 30% of the city. Two shelters have been set up fully supplied with food and water, however, not enough for all the affected population.

Coordination

Ica: PAHO/WHO reports that the health sector is in good capacity to deal with the situation. Pisco: UN field missions have noticed improved organization and distribution of aid since the arrival of the Army. The city of Pisco has been divided in different sectors and this makes aid distribution more efficient. The UNDAC team is supporting coordination of government bodies in Pisco and is also working with the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

31. On August 23, a joint UN mission will embark to assess the possibility of establishing a UN joint office in the affected areas in order to follow up

the implementation activities proposed in the Flash Appeal and CERF.

32. FAO and WFP, in collaboration with counterparts from the Ministry of Agriculture are conducting a joint helicopter mission for an aerial inspection of the affected areas.

33. A preliminary assessment of the Vice Ministry of Fishing, shows a total of 220 traditional fishing boats were reported damaged in Caleta, Laguna Grande, Lagunillas and Chaco, in the town of San Andrés, Pisco; the harbor of San Andrés has been damaged and urgent repairs are needed in order to operate normally.

34. WFP has so far delivered 682 MT of rice, sugar, canned milk, vegetable oil, High Energy Biscuits (HEB), beans and canned fish to the affected areas. In coordination with local authorities, sufficient food is being provided to the shelters. WFP is working together with the Government (PRONAA) to reach many remote areas, where food distributions are also taking place.

35. WFP staff has noted transportation as a major problem to move food from the airport to the shelters, and from the shelters to advanced distribution points. A C130 Hercules from the Italian Government carrying supplies from the Italian Cooperation, Irish Aid and PAHO, arrived on August 20 from the WFP UNHRD in Brindisi, Italy.

36. An Emergency Food Security Assessment (EFSA) is taking place this week in the affected areas, especially focusing on isolated communities to define future long term support for already vulnerable and food insecure populations.

37. WFP has sent 4 emergency response experts from its Regional Bureau, one EFSA specialists from its office in Bolivia and an ICT expert from Dubai, to support the emergency response actions of its Country Office in Peru.

38. As a joint effort to support the process of water and food distribution, UNICEF will be providing emergency water containers, for water collection, while WFP will be providing food at the same time.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

39. On August 21, USAID/OFDA called forward 15,000 blankets in response to priority needs in the affected areas. The blankets are scheduled to arrive on August 22. The total value of this shipment, including transport, is $199,250. The total amount of humanitarian aid provided by the USG up to August 21 is US$1,888,818.

40. On August 21, the Government of Czechoslovakia announced a donation of US$ 250,000 to assist the population affected by the earthquake. This aid will be channeled through the International Red Cross.

41. On August 21, the Organization of American States (OAS) contributed with US$ 155,000 to support recovery efforts in the areas struck by last week's earthquake.

42. On August 22, a mission from the European Union (EU) will visit Cañete and Pisco to establish contact with local authorities. Mission participants include experts from ECHO, the European Network of Civil Protection, and members from the European Union delegation in Peru. Through this aid, ECHO is mobilizing Peruvian and international teams of experts for contributing with food, temporary shelters, medical assistance, hygiene goods, water and sanitation, as well as emergency telecommunication facilities and social assistance.

43. The Government of France have sent humanitarian aid oriented to provide water and sanitation and medical teams valued 150,000 Euros. The Government of France also contributed with the transport of 4 water-treatment plants and medicines.

44. The NGO DASUD 62 sent a medical team of 7 people that has been deployed in the city of Pisco, as well as a team of French firemen in the town of Bernales, Pisco. The French Embassy also announced through the Counterpart Fund Peru-France it will donate US$ 200,000 for reconstruction of public infrastructure. Private french sector through the entreprises Sodexho is helping the Peruvian Government with the distribution and preparation of 12,000 daily food meals in five distributions places. The entreprises Michelin has also contributed with the donation of medicine.

45. The Caritas Confederation has launched an appeal worth over $US 11 million. Caritas Peru, with support from the Caritas Confederation, is currently assisting more than 10,000 families (50,000 people) by providing food, clean water, clothing, bedding, medicine and other basic necessities. Caritas also plans to distribute materials for building temporary shelters. Caritas delivered 5 trucks on August 21, with another 50 tons of humanitarian aid to the affected areas. So far, Caritas has distributed 215 tons of aid in all. Caritas is also planning on reconstructing numerous schools so that children can get back to their classes as early as possible.

46. OCHA continues to closely monitor the situation through the Regional Office in Panama, and remains in contact, with the Resident Coordinator. OCHA will provide further updates on the situation. This situation report together with other information on ongoing emergencies is also available on the OSOCC Internet Website: www.unocha.org/vosocc and on the OCHA Internet Website: www.reliefweb.int/.

Additional information related to the UN system activities can be viewed at www.onu.org.pe.

For detailed information please contact:

Desk Officer (New York):
Mr. Ignacio León
Office Tel: +1 917 367-9960
Office Fax: +1 212 963-36 30
E-mail: leoni@un.org

GCMS (Geneva):
Ms. Aoibheann O'Keeffe
Office Tel: +41 22 917 4329
E-mail: okeeffe@un.org

OCHA Regional Office for
Latin America and the Caribbean:
Mr. Douglas Reimer
Regional Disaster Response Adviser
Office Tel. +507 317-1748
Office Fax +507 317-1744
Mobile: +507 6676-1689
E-mail: reamer@un.org

Press Contact:
(NY) Ms. Stephanie Bunker
Office Tel : + 1 917-367-5126
Office Fax: + 1 212-963-1312
Email: bunker@un.org

(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs
Office Tel + 41 22 917 26 53
Office Fax + 41 22 917 00 20
E-mail: byrs@un.org

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