Emergency Response

Updated September 10, 2007

On August 15 an earthquake 8.0 in magnitude struck off the coast of Peru near the city of Pisco. The most affected locations include Ica, Pisco, and Chinca. Action by Churches Together* reports that the most affected regions include a large number of villages, towns, and cities of various sizes dispersed among numerous valleys. As it is currently winter, the temperature can drop at night to 10°C in the lower areas and as low as 0°C above 2,500 m. National and local authorities indicate that there are over 500 deaths and over 1,000 injured. The total number of destroyed homes could be as high as 70,000.

The United Church is sending over $6,000 to three Peruvian partner organizations working with people in the affected areas:

• Manuela Ramos, a women's organization based in Lima, is assisting grassroots nutritional programs in Chincha
• The Association of Andean Women, an Indigenous women's organization based in Cuzco, is coordinating activities with groups of Afro-Peruvians living in Chincha
• Proceso Kairos, a national ecumenical women's organization, is working in the zone of San Clemente-Pisco

Maria Elena Zelada, the coordinator of Proceso Kairos writes:

"It is surprising what the people lived through on the 15th of August. The magnitude of the quake is very evident as you can see in the pictures showing giant cracks in the fields, houses, and churches. This is one of the least visited zones and has received very little assistance up until now, despite the fact that it is only three hours away from Lima. We are now doing an assessment of the needs and will bring relief supplies here in the coming days. The families are without food and other essentials, and they have no means to buy things, even if it weren't for the fact that the commercial area of Pisco where they shop is in total ruins.

"From the families in the zone, many thanks for the solidarity and accompaniment of The United Church of Canada. We will be coordinating as well with Action by Churches Together to see how they can assist us to carry out the ministry of consolation as well as psychological counseling for those who have been afflicted. There is still so much to do in this area."

How United Church Members Can Help

• Pray: From the General Council Office, our thoughts and prayers go out to our Peruvian sisters and brothers who have been so terribly affected by the earthquake. United Church members across Canada are urged also to pray for the people who live in affected communities and in particular those who have lost loved ones, friends, and property.
• Learn more: Visit the Action by Churches Together* website to stay abreast of ACT's energetic efforts to respond to the disaster. The United Church is a member of ACT.
• Donate: If you wish to make a donation, funds collected will be shared either directly with United Church partners in Peru or with ACT. Cheques or an online donation should be made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked "Peru Earthquake." The funds will be regarded as supragifts.

Please note: Supragifts cannot be counted as M&S Fund credits. However, they are eligible for tax receipts. Congregational treasurers may receive and receipt individual cheques and then forward one congregational cheque to the United Church.

For more information contact:

Mark Hathaway
Program Coordinator, South America
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit (JGER)
Tel: 416-231-5931 ext. 4064
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4064
E-mail: Mark Hathaway

For other, general information about the United Church 's emergency response contact:

Gary Kenny
Program Coordinator for Emergency Response
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4051
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4051
E-mail: Gary Kenny