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Peru

Peru: Earthquake OCHA Situation Report No. 11

Attachments

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. Ministry of Transports and Communications informed that road problems caused by the earthquake have been addressed and there no more blocked roads in country.

2. Local authorities of the Huancavelica region indicated that about 17,000 people have been affected by the earthquake in the region. Provinces of Huaytará and Castrovirreyna, as well as the Acobambilla district, are the most affected areas with up to 2,900 houses destroyed. Low temperatures at night, are posing health threats to the population.

3. The UNDAC Team in Pisco held a meeting with the mayors of the towns of Ica province and the INDECI. Crucial information was shared of needs and numbers at the town level.

4. The Flash Appeal will be launched tomorrow (28 August) in Geneva and Lima.

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.

2. The last official report issued by the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) informs on the situation up to August 26, 22:00 hrs:

Deaths already officially certified
519
Injured
1,366
Houses destroyed*
56,363
Houses affected
14,959
Hospitals destroyed*
14
Hospitals affected
96

(*according to Peruvian Government preliminary assessments)

Water and Sanitation

In Ica, the WFP field missions have noticed no diseases as a result of the earthquake, even though the population uses masks as a prevention measure. Hospitals are working normally. Currently, water is stored in pots wich may result in health problems. In remote areas lack of water has been reported. In Pisco, field missions report a very good coordination in the health sector, with frequent coordination meetings of Minister of Health, UNDAC, the Red Cross and other NGOs. Seeral mobile hospitals have been set up in Pisco and the Minister of Health is carrying out a vaccination campaign in shelters (tetanus, influenza, hepatitis). There is scarcity of breathing masks although so far respiratory diseases have not been reported. Water distribution is still not optimal and it is mostly in bottles. With respect to the sanitation situation, latrines are lacking in rural areas and partially in urban areas too. Solid waste, debris and dust is causing environmental problems as well.

Food

In Ica, as in previous days coordination related to food delivery is taking the form of potlucks, though the quantity is still not enough to cover all needs.

In Pisco, the UNDP mission has noticed a need for more food aid, even though shelters are well supplied. The community centres to provide meals are also being used and organized by dwellers, district authorities and private companies.

Infrastructure

In Pisco, insufficiency of tents has been reported. There are informal shelters not coordinated with INDECI and UNDAC is trying to map these informal shelters with GPS. The FAO mission in the fishing area of Pisco reported that Lagunillas is the most affected village with 20% of its boats destroyed and 40% needing repair. In this place, the tsunami dragged boats 3 kms inland. However, during this week it is expected that 40% of the fishing boats will return to work in spite of post-traumatic stress among fishers.

Coordination

In Ica, WFP team remarks the good organization and efforts of PRONAA in assisting 160 community dinning centers, which together with food provided by WFP and other institutions are effectively improving the quality of meals provided. In Pisco, local authorities have requested to the UN its support to local governments' coordination. The UNDAC team reports the work of the OSOCC, permanently staffed and in permanent coordination with INDECI and NGOs working in the area.

NATIONAL RESPONSE

3. SUNASS, the National Water and Sanitation Authority, announced that drinkable water supply is available at 15% in Pisco, 65% in Chincha, 85% in Cañete and 100% in Ica, Parcona and Palpa.

4. In Pisco, 15% of the water supply comes from networks while the remaining 85% is supplied through tankers according to plans made. In the Esperanza, San Pedro, Cruz de Colombia and Paracas areas near Pisco, the pipeline networks are being tested to identify leaks and breaches. San Miguel and Tupac Amaru communities are being supplied in 90% through pipelines. Six water purification facilities have been set up in the Pisco area (3 in Pisco, 2 in San Andrés and 1 in San Clemente).

5. In the Chincha area, pipeline water supply is 65% in Chincha itself, 50% in Grocio Prado, 70% in Pueblo Nuevo, 95% in Chincha Alta, 60% in Tambo de Mora and 100% in Chincha Baja and Alto Larán. Sewage is not working in Tambo de Mora and

Chincha Baja due to failures in electric pumping engines.

6. In the Cañete province, water is supplied through pipelines (80%). In San Vicente, Lunahuaná, Calango, Santa Cruz de Flores, Imperial, Chilca and Asia supply covers 100% of population, 50% in Cerro Azul and 40% in San Luis, with severe restrictions in the last two towns.

7. In Ica, Parcona, Palpa, Guadalupe and Los Aquijes, water supply is 100% assured through pipelines. In Ica, suburbs such as Subtanjalla and Pachacutec, are supplied through tankers.

8. Sewage system works at 100% capacity, although in some parts repairs are needed.

9. Peruvian Government announced that INDECI has transferred 12,000 thousand tons of humanitarian aid so far, to affected zones, supported by the Army, National Police and logistic and advise of the UN. It was also announced that humanitarian aid for Yauyos (department of Lima) and Huancavelica (department of Huancavelica) is being delivered by land and air. In addition, these zones will be included in the census.

10. The Ministry of Health installed 14 vaccination locations in Pisco, Chincha and Cañete. The goal is to vaccinate 238,790 persons approximately against Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, among other illnesses.

11. The first phase of this campaign will span over this week and it will start by providing shelters to the population most affected. Vaccination stands in Pisco will be located at Plaza San Andrés, Villa Túpac Amaru Inca, Estadio San Clemente, San Juan de Dios Hospital, Estadio Campeones del 69, Parque Zonal and Club Atlético Pisqueño (CAP). In Chincha, vaccinations will take place at Pueblo Nuevo, Grocio Prado, Sunampe and Chincha Baja main squares and at Hospital San José. In Cañete, vaccination stands will be set at Rezola Hospital and Cañete's main square. In Ica, health centers are carrying out vaccinations normally.

12. The ASBANC (Banks' Association of Peru) announced that donations through national and international bank deposits oriented to this emergency are free of charge (fees and other costs) until October 17th.

13. According to the Ministry of Education, on August 27th classes will resume in some schools of the earthquake-affected areas. It was also announced that students will return to those schools that have not suffered damages. At least 15 days will be necessary to set up all of 600 prefabricated classrooms needed to house 100% of students in Ica, Chincha, and Pisco. In Palpa and Nasca provinces of Ica region are restarting classes on August 27th, according to regional education director. In Pisco, Chincha and Ica provinces, more affected by the earthquake, it will be necessary to await INDECI's assessment of the damages to schools' infrastructure.

14. On Saturday 25th, the President of Peru confirmed that businessman Julio Favre will lead the recovery efforts in the areas affected by the earthquake. He will be advised by the president of the Businessmen' Confederation, Jaime Cáceres, architect Jaime Figari and businessmen Henry Day and José Chilmper.

15. On August 27th, Prime Minister will explain to Parliament representatives from six political parties, a draft of the law intended to create a Fund for the Reconstruction of the South (Forsur), the new autonomous body in charge of rebuilding the affected areas. If agreement is reached, it could be voted in Tuesday's plenary session of the Congress.

16. Cash-for-work program, Construyendo Perú, will consider expanding to 12,000 workers in the affected areas. Ministry of Labor said that a budget increase would be assessed to create 2,000 new temporary jobs in Pisco and another 2,000 in Chincha and Ica, given the current success and demand for this program which is currently employing 8,000 people, removing debris in the areas struck by the earthquake.

17. Public Company, Petroperú, donated 5,000 gallons of petrol to keep heavy machinery working full-time in the emergency areas.

18. The President of the Huancavelica region indicated on August 26th that about 17,000 people have been affected by the earthquake in his region. Provinces of Huaytará and Castrovirreyna, as well as the Acobambilla district, are the most affected areas, with close to 2,900 houses destroyed. Low temperatures at night, are posing health threats to the population.

19. On Sunday 26th, traditional fishers of Ica received help from Ministry of Production to resume their activities. The Ministry provided nets and other fishing equipment. As a result of the earthquake, docks and other fishing infrastructure in San Andrés, Laguna Grande, Lagunillas, Chaco and Tambo de Mora were damaged.

20. On Sunday 26th, authorities of the Peruvian cities of Otuzco and Abancay gave 50 tons of cereals and potatoes to population affected by the earthquake in the province of Chincha. In Pisco, strong "Paracas" winds are causing respiratory problems to people affected by the disaster.

21. In downtown Lima, damages caused by the earthquake have been reported in approximately 300 houses and buildings, although most of them are not in immediate danger of collapse.

22. The Government will use 23 million soles (US$ 7.28 million) to buy food for the population affected by the earthquake, as declared by the Prime Minister on August 26th. He said that United Nations' World Food Program would be in charge of buying and dispatching the food.

23. The Superintendent of National Assets is identifying the states' properties in Pisco, Chincha and Cañete in order to provide temporary housing to affected population and a permanent solution to housing issues.

24. According to information provided by PRONAA (National Programme of Food Assistance) on August 24th, the Ministry of Women and Social Development through PRONAA has provided 751.91 tons of food: Huancavelica: 13.95 tons, Huaytará: 4.55 tons, Chincha: 57.28 tons, Ica: 87.24 tons, Pisco: 565.67 tons, Cañete: 18.21 tons and Yauyos: 5.01 tons.

25. Ministry of Transports and Communications informed on Saturday, August 25th, that problems in roads caused by the earthquake have been addressed and that no single road is blocked in the country, although minor works are still in progress.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

26. The UNDAC Team in Pisco held a meeting with the mayors of the towns of Ica province and the INDECI. Crucial information was shared of needs and numbers at the town level. The UNDAC team will assist in squaring this information and recommended some UN agencies to attend the next meeting, particularly for shelter needs.

27. The Environmental team has conducted assessments in Chincha Alta including the fish refineries and the general conclusion up to now is that there is no alarming environmental situation to be found.

28. OCHA has contracted 4 flatbed articulated trailers, 5x10 ton lorries and 2 forklift trucks to assist with decongesting the warehouse facilities in the port of Pisco and the airport, in cooperation with the local authorities and DHL.

29. UNDAC team in Lima met with HABITAT to discuss longer term reconstruction needs.

30. The Flash Appeal will be launched tomorrow in Geneva. In Lima there will be a UNCT meeting early morning.

31. The Government of Germany granted more than 2 million euros for restoration of water supply systems in quake-affected areas in the South of Peru. This assistance will help affected people finding water supplies.

32. The Government of Uruguay will donate a water-treatment plant and 5 technicians who are going to install and operate this equipment.

33. The Government of Venezuela will donate humanitarian aid, which includes: food, drinkable water, medicines, blankets, tents and equipments for debris removal.

34. The Government of Canada will donate US$2 millions as emergency aid to Peru.

35. CARE is targeting its relief efforts outside of the city of Pisco in smaller, more remote communities in the following provinces: Cañete: districts of San Luis, Imperial, Cerro Azul, Lúcumo, Coayllo; Chincha: districts of Chincha Baja, Tambo de Mora, El Carmen; Huancavelica: districts of Huayacundo, Huaytará, Ayavi, Santa Rosa del Tambo, Santo Domingo de Capillasom the province of Huaytará and districts of Ticrapo, Mollepampa, Cocas, Castrovirreyna, Huamatambo, Aurahua, Chupemarca, Arma and San Juan in Castrovirreyna. To date, CARE has reached over 10,000 affected (2,000 families) and provided supplies that include tents, blankets, food, water and flashlights.

36. Relief International has been working within the health sector since 20 August in the Pisco area. They have been running mobile clinics as directed by the local health sector to treat those displaced and affected by the earthquake.

37. The European Commission has prepared a chart showing the NGO's and areas of intervention, as well as, type of support they are providing in affected areas.

38. France has provided a total of EU 300,000 to assist the affected population.

39. The Government of Luxembourg has provided a total contribution 125,000 euros for the victims of the earthquake: - 50,000 euros via the Luxembourg Caritas to Peru Caritas for their relief operations; - 2,000 euros to the Luxembourg Red Cross to finance the deployment of an Emergency Rescue Unit specialized in logistics; - 22,000 euros to the NGO 'Luxembourg-Perou' for food distribution in Pisac and Ica by their local partners; - in-kind donation to the Peruvian Red Cross of 2,500 blankets to the amount of 16,000 euros; - in-kind donation to the Peruvian Red Cross of approximately 100 tents, together with 60 tents from the Luxembourg Red Cross, to the amount of 12,000 euros.

40. Food for Hungry International (FH) are conducting a project that will focus on providing food through community feeding centers, serving a total of 2,000 beneficiaries. FH will set up three feeding areas where three meals a day will be served as well as an option to receive dry rations to prepare for themselves.

41. See below a table of assistance (provided in Spanish) by APCI (Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation) on August 27th.

42. 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. Daily information now being posted on INDECI website - http://www.indeci.gob.pe/noticias/sede_2007/22ago0 7.htm

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

UNDAC Team:
Carolina de Borbon Parma
(511) 213 3200
Luis Vallenas
(511) 9552 2621

Peruvian Civil Defense:
Communication
(511) 226 2291
Emergency Operation Center
(511) 224 1685/87

Disclaimer

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To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.