Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Peru

Peru: World Vision arrives to the area of major disaster

by Yadira Pacheco - Communications Coordinator

First emergency World Vision team arrived in Ica at 4:00 pm (local time) by plane and already delivered the first donations to the community of Longar, one of the most affected areas that haven't received humanitarian aid yet. This actions were coordinated with the Manager of the Local Government of Ica, Ricardo Otiniano.

Jose Luis Ochoa, the emergency team leader said that the situation there is very upsetting since the aid is taking so long to get here, probably because of the damaged roads. "We still have problem of communication, ther is not internet, nor electricity. It seems that World Vision is the firs humanitarian aid in getteing there", added Ochoa.

There were delivered blankets for the first 50 families, given that they are preparing to face another night in front of their destroyed houses, since aftershocks are still felt and also because they are trying to preserve the few things that can be saved under the rubble. The temperature reaches to 9 or 10 Celsius degrees.

There are around seven hundred thousand inhabitants in Ica. 90% of the population is affected due to the destruction or damage of their houses.

By this time the number of deaths increased to 437, as well as injured that now are 830, according to the Civil Defense. They also mention that the number of affected people in Ica, Chinca, Cañete and Pisco is reaching to 16,600. However the Fire fighters are reporting even more casualties.

The Minister of Women informed that they fear that the number of missing children and orphans might be significant. Two brigades are heading tomorrow to provide a more accurate assessment.

"We are very frighten because we think that in any moment can happen another quake. The ocean has left some meters, and maybe there is going to be a tsunami", people comments.

Second group delivered medical supplies to the health centre of "Balconcito" in Chincha, another affected town, where there are around 3,600 inhabitants

The truck loaded with medicines for pain, antibiotics, medical supplies for minor surgeries, 1,102 pairs of shoes, 5,680 pieces of warm clothing and additional 150 blankets, hygiene kits are due to arrive in Ica this evening.

Two trucks coming from Cusco and Ayacucho are in their way with more supplies.

"Even there was a prompt response from the government all the humanitarian aid is not enough for this catastrophe" said Gonzalo Romaña a government official.

The government has already sent tons of food, clothing, litres of water, tents, etc. However there is an urgent need for more water, food, medicines for pain and fractures, blankets and tents, as well as cold container for the corps.

World Vision identified also some urgent needs like medicines and inhalers for children, since the number of respiratory infections are growing. We also will deliver lamps as soon arrive from Lima, since electricity is not restored yet , neither running water and phone lines .

Jose Luis Ochoa, emergency team leader, is in the field and available for spanish and english interviews (51 1 98801040), as well as Ester Luis, communications (51 1 90487905).