AMERICA/PERU - Caritas Peru launches aid campaign for homeless families affected by torrential rains: 14 people reported dead, many more still missing

Friday, 26 January 2007

Chanchamayo (Agenzia Fides) - Caritas-Peru has launched an aid campaign to provide prompt relief to families made homeless when torrential rains caused mudslides and flooding of the Rivers Tulumayo, Chacrapuquio and Tarma, in the Peruvian province of Chanchamayo (Junin region). Caritas centres are collecting clothing, food, blankets, plastic roofing material, water cans as well as money. Caritas-Peru director Mgr Miguel Irizar has called on individuals and private and public institutions to "give generously in aid of our brothers and sisters living in forest areas and sorely affected by this natural disaster ".
The rain which began early on 22 January has never stooped and continues to devastate the region causing floods and landslides. According to the director of the National Institute for Civil Defence Luis Felipe Palomino, at least 14 people have died and about 200 have suffered injuries. The exact number of those missing is difficult to estimate. The government declared a state of emergency in the province of Chanchamayo, especially in the most affected districts of San Ramón and Vitoc.
Civil Defence workers say vast expanses of mud make it difficult to reach survivors and to find the bodies of the dead. Aid workers continue to distribute humanitarian aid and give basic medical care to more than a thousand affected persons. Homes have been buried under mud, rocks and tree trunks and some areas are still isolated. The authorities have sent food and water to the area and a camp to shelter the homeless is being organised. Measures are being taken to prevent feared outbreaks of dengue or malaria, or intestinal or respiratory diseases.
Those wishing to join the Caritas-Peru campaign may use the following address : "Cáritas - Emergencia Selva Central" national currency: 193-1586582-0-79; foreign currency Moneta Straniera: 193-1586951-1-16. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 26/1/2007; righe 25, parole 344)


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