In Peru, ERD provides support after earthquake

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency assistance to people in Peru after the country was rocked by a violent earthquake on August 15.

A deadly 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Peru causing extensive damage throughout the Ica Province, located along the southern coast. The quake killed more than 540 people and at least 1,500 people were injured.

Among the dead are 150 people who were killed when the roof of San Clemente Roman Catholic Church collapsed during a funeral service in the city of Pisco. According to recent reports, more than 16,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed and roughly 80,000 people have been affected by the earthquake.

ERD is working with the Anglican Diocese of Peru to provide food, blankets, shelter support and medicine for people left homeless by the quake. Eighty percent of housing has been destroyed in Pisco, near the epicenter of the earthquake. The Diocese of Peru is deeply involved in the relief and rescue efforts by providing critical supplies and helping displaced people who have been injured and brought to Lima.

"At present, we have a small team of people in the area of the epicenter" said Bishop William Godfrey of Peru. "They are primarily involved in feeding people as well as providing water and medicine. We are working in conjunction with other churches and aid agencies, adding whatever we can to what God gives us"

"Our prayers remain with people traumatized and those who have lost loved ones in the midst of this crisis" said Coe Economou, ERD program officer for Latin America. "These initial funds will help our partners in Peru provide people with basic emergency supplies as we continue to work with diocesan staff to assess additional needs"

To help people affected by the earthquake in Peru, make a donation to ERD’s "Emergency Relief Fund" online at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development "Emergency Relief Fund" P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.