Your chance to help the Peruvian people affected by tragedy

On Wednesday 15th August the central coast of Peru was rocked by an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was just off the Pacific coast near to the cities of Chincha, Pisco and Ica. The Government of Peru reported 510 fatalities as well as thousands more injured.

Seventeen people died when a church in the city of Ica collapsed and 70 were injured. They were attending mass at the time the earthquake started. Residents of Ica said the ground shook again early Friday as they slept outside, their homes destroyed. A quarter of the buildings in the city of 120,000 were destroyed.

The city of Pisco, which is 160 miles southeast of the capital city Lima, has contributed more than 200 people to the death toll and approximately 80% of the city’s buildings were destroyed. Perhaps this quote from Juan Mendoza, the Mayor of Pisco, will give some idea of the gravity of the situation, "The dead are scattered by the dozens on the streets. We don't have lights, water, communications. Most houses have fallen. Churches, stores, hotels - everything is destroyed."

Help is flooding to the area, not only from all regions of Peru, but from countries all over the World. However, with so many people homeless, cold and hungry, much more is needed. This is your chance to help, by donating to the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is working with the Peruvian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation) to assist those affected by this disaster.

Here at Peru for Less we are making every effort to accommodate any travelers who had plans to visit the affected zones. However, we would like to stress that the other popular tourist destinations such as the Amazon Rainforest, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Lima, and many more are unaffected by the disaster. The only affected zone is the Department of Ica.

Clicking on the link below will take you to the American Red Cross homepage, where you will be able to make a donation and help to make a difference.

Thank you.