One week on, more aid needed to meet Peru quake survivors' critical needs
By Kun Li, UNICEF

"NEW YORK, USA (August 22, 2007) — 'I was watching TV in my room when suddenly the power went out,' recalled Peruvian earthquake survivor Ivan, 11. 'We tried to get outside, but we couldn't, because of all the dirt and dust,' he said. 'Finally, we got out. I am here with my younger sister, my aunt, my mom. Everyone is desperate.' The powerful earthquake shook Peru on August 15, affecting more than 85,000 people in the southern part of the country. According to Peru's National Institute for Civil Defense, a government authority, the quake killed 513 people, injured 1,090 and has left 37,521 families homeless.

Ivan's hometown, Pisco, was at the epicentre. Nearly 85 percent of the city's homes were badly damaged or destroyed. At least 200 people in Pisco were buried in the rubble of a historic church where they had been attending services.

A young earthquake survivor looks at the debris on a street in Pisco, near the epicentre of the massive earthquake that struck Peru on August 15.

Humanitarian aid coming
'We lost everything, we have nothing left, we have been left homeless,' said a desperate Pisco resident, Esperanza Micma, the day after the earthquake. 'Up until now, no one has given us water or food. We haven't had breakfast since yesterday, not even our babies.'

One week on, hard-hit cities such as Pisco and Ica are still suffering from water shortages and lack of electricity and sanitation. To help communities in need, a joint UN mission is on the ground, working with the government to provide humanitarian support. "

In the community of El Bosque in Pisco, a group of children ask for help after the earthquake.

Donate and Read Entire Story