Earthquake in Ica, Peru
On 15 August 2007 an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit Chincha, Pisco and Ica y Cañete. These cities are close to each other and approximately 300 kilometres from Lima.
Due to the magnitude of the disaster, Practical Action decided to intervene in partnership with other agencies and donors. The action lines include the installation of shelters for families; rehabilitation of basic services (water, sanitation, education); rehabilitation of productive infrastructure; supporting community organizations (women, producers, youth groups); and strengthening municipal leadership.
We are currently channeling funds from German AgroAction and the German Government. These funds are being used for the construction of shelters; supporting community kitchens; and eventually will be used for the rehabilitation or reconstruction of schools. We are also coordinating or supporting a series of initiatives, e.g. youth groups in Ancash; provision of solar energy generating posts. Additionally, fundraising actions are being taken for the reconstruction of houses and school classrooms.
Practical Action has promoted and taken part in a series of initiatives aimed at complementing the response to the disaster. In Huancavelica we are trying to complement the humanitarian aid provided by CARE and Caritas with a proposal for reconstruction that is being elaborated together with some local NGOs. At the request of OXFAM, Practical Action is taking part in the ‘Pisco group’ to coordinate the aid as it arrives. In Ica there were field coordinations with staff from PREDES, the poverty eradication committee, and the women’s federation.
With the support of German AgroAction, Practical Action has started the installation of the first shelters in San Luis de Cañete. In Chincha and Los Molinos (Ica), Practical Action is carrying out coordinations with organizations of peasant farmers and women to complement the aid. Also, it was decided to channel humanitarian aid to the Huancavelica provinces through local NGOs. Generally speaking, the damages are so considerable that the aid destined to temporary shelters is clearly insufficient and, due to the limited size of the shelters, it will not be possible to maintain the minimum living standards during the following weeks.
Lessons and challenges in view of the disaster Pedro Ferradas, Manager, Risk Reduction and Prevention programme
Latest updates from our Latin America website, Soluciones Practicas (in Spanish)
As recent events in Bangladesh and Peru have shown, disasters continue to hit communities in the developing world. It is vital that we continue working to develop practical solutions that provide lasting hope for tomorrow. Please give today.
