Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lima (Agenzia Fides) - Six weeks after the earthquake struck in Peru affecting various towns in South Chico (Ica, Chincha, Pisco, Cañete, Yauyos, Huaytara and Castrovirreyna) the emergency continues because, although most homeless families have found temporary shelter, a return to normality is still a long way off. Electricity is gradually returning but water supplies are still insufficient. Many urban drainage systems destroyed in the quake have still to be repaired. School children are waiting for temporary classrooms to be built so classes can resume.
To help the victims the Catholic Bishops of Costa Rica, in their recent meeting, decided to call for special collection to be taken all over the country on Sunday 30 September in aid of the earthquake victims. The collection will be taken in collaboration with Caritas Costa Rica, with the idea to increase aid efforts because as Fr. Francisco Hernández, head of Caritas Costa Rica explains "as time passes the quantity of aid diminishes but the needs of the affected persons do not". What is needed most is " financial collaboration to repair infrastructures, homes, bridges and buildings ".
The 'We are Hope' campaign launched by the Movement of Christian Life continues to provide food for 7.000 families. In 6 weeks of intense work about 3,500 volunteers involved in the campaign delivered every week food to 7.200 affected families in Chincha, guaranteeing aid for a total 36,000 people. Besides the volunteers 75 doctors served in the affected areas. MVC is organising various fund raising activities to continue to help the families. The campaign organisers say the initiative will continue through October and November and to be close the affected people at Christmas with a "Christmas is Jesus" campaign to promote a spirit of solidarity with those in need and an authentic Christian sense of the holiday season.
Caritas Croatia donated 1 million kunas (140.000 euro) to Peru to build 650 homes for affected families, especially the poorest, those with young children, pregnant mothers or elderly or disabled people.
The earthquake in August was the third emergency which Caritas Peru faced this year 2007. At the beginning of the year 44,000 people in 8 province were affected by floods, and over 500,000 people were affected by a wave of extremely cold temperatures. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2007; righe 33, parole 444)
