MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

United Nations finalizing Flash Appeal for Peru

As the United Nations (UN) system finalizes a Flash Appeal for the earthquake stricken parts of Peru, UN inter-agency teams are assessing the situation in the affected areas.

The current death toll from the earthquake, which measured 7.9 on the Richter scale when it struck the country on 15 August 2007, stands at 503, while the number of injured is at 1,042; preliminary assessments indicate that over 34,000 houses have been destroyed. In the regions hit by the quake, it is estimated that up to 80% to 85% of the population has been affected by the disaster. The state of emergency in the Department of Ica and the province of Canete in the Department of Lima is still in effect, and the emergency has been extended to the provinces of Castrovirreina and Huaytará and the district of Acobambilla. Chincha, Canete, Pisco and Ica are still experiencing electricity and water shortages, and health facilities are still insufficient to meet current demand. Two United Nations disaster assessment and coordination (UNDAC) team members in Lima are helping the Paeruvian Government establish an information system, while five team members are staffing the on-site coordination centre in Pisco, of whom three persons are already in place. The Government of Peru has authorized a supplementary credit of $31.6 million for the reconstruction of public infrastructure. In addition, the Government has established an air bridge to Pisco in order to deliver humanitarian supplies and facilitate the deployment of international relief aid and aid workers. The Government has also set up two hospitals and has announced a temporary 30-day employment programme for rubble removal activities. Peruvian authorities have identified critical needs in the provinces, including water, water containers, water purification pills, tents, tarpaulin, electric generators, portable beds, blankets, and tools to remove rubble. Telecoms san Frontières, a humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) equipped to deploy rapid response information technology and telecom teams, have deployed staff in Peru to assist with emergency communications. It is setting up emergency telecommunication centers that provide United Nations, NGO and government responders with reliable voice, Internet, fax, and video connections. The DHL Disaster Response Team (DRT) Americas has been deployed to Pisco to handle incoming humanitarian relief aid and ensure local airport operations do not experience bottlenecks.