Mario Tavera, UNICEF Peru Health Officer and member of the United Nations Mission visiting the most hard hit areas, stated that the city of Ica suffered less damage than Pisco, with power and water services gradually being reestablished. “We estimate that the biggest problems are found in the outskirts of the city where there are about 9,000 damaged houses (to be confirmed) besides 300 collapsed classrooms in 90 schools so far. It is not likely classes will start before September; the earth is still trembling, kids are frightened, and parents do not want to let go of their children,” he said.
After visiting Ica’s shattered hospital, Tavera highlighted the fact that there are no oral re-hydration salts or rapid HIV detection tests. The latter are crucial as Ica region has the most rapidly growing HIV rate in the country. He also stressed the need to focus on orphaned and other vulnerable children, but pointed out that information and precise figures on such children are not yet available.
“Help is reaching the affected areas very irregularly, so it is necessary to strengthen community organization. People sleep outside their house and over the ruins to save the few belongings that were not destroyed,” said José Navarro Grau, Mayor of Chincha.
The UNDAC team has already arrived while an interagency mission (UNDSS, UNDP, PAHO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNDAC) is working in the affected areas. In addition to the items already sent, UNICEF is providing 514,800 chlorine tablets and 3,000 water containers for distribution through the Ministry of Health as soon as possible.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For future information please contact:
Marilú Wiegold, e-mail mwiegold@unicef.org, telephone (511) 213-0706 / cel. (511) 9757-3218
Elsa Ursula, e-mail: eursula@unicef.org, telephone (511) 213-0745 / cel. (511) 9352-6944
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21 August 2007:
UNICEF correspondent Kun Li reports on the damage and suffering caused by the powerful earthquake that struck Peru on 15 August. VIDEO high | low
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16 August 2007:
UNICEF Deputy Representative in Peru Florence Bauer talks about the impact of the earthquake and the agency’s emergency response. 
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Related links
Unicef provides support to Peru’s earthquake victims
Children affected by Peru’s earthquake require immediate support
UNICEF joins relief effort after earthquake hits populated urban areas of Peru
Earthquake in Peru leaves hundreds killed and thousands injured
