LIMA, Peru, JUNE 29, 2001 (Zenit.org).- The Catholic Church in Peru on Tuesday launched a caravan carrying six tons of winter clothes, blankets, mattresses, food and medicine to victims of last weekend´s earthquake.
Thus began the distribution of aid collected by the «Solidarity with the South» campaign, promoted by the Peruvian bishops´ conference through Caritas-Peru. The first to benefit from the donations was Caritas-Caraveli, in the Arequipa area.
The following day, additional goods, including two tons of blankets, food and medicine, were sent with the support of the 8th Air Group of the Peruvian Army to Arequipa and Moquegua. Likewise, Caritas-Puno sent two tons of blankets and food to Ichuna, in the province of Sánchez Carrión in Moquegua.
The Peruvian bishops´ conference said Caritas-Peru has sent a committee to the area to coordinate distribution of the aid.
By Thursday, the quake´s death toll rose to 115 victims, with another 55 missing, and more than 1,500 injured.
As of Wednesday, Caritas-Peru, diocesan Caritas teams in the field, and other sources estimated that 26,218 families were affected, 7,924 homes were damaged or destroyed, and schools and the infrastructure for potable water, sewerage, irrigation canals, and health centers was also damaged.
At the international level, Caritas-Germany has promised $130,000 and tents for emergency housing. U.S.-based Catholic Relief Services will send $75,000; Caritas-Sweden, $95,000. Caritas-Spain is campaigning for financial and material help.
Caritas-Peru´s dollar account number in the Banco de Credito is 193-09020739-1-57.
Caritas-Peru can be reached at postmaster@caritas.org.pe.
