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 [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
