The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) staff in Peru is rushing to assist survivors of the country’s worst earthquake in more than 30 years. More than 500 people are reported dead, and over 1,500 others injured.
The powerful 8.0 magnitude earthquake toppled homes, churches and buildings from the temblor’s epicenter in the Department of Ica to the capitol city Lima, over 100 miles away.
Initial reports from Ica say bodies remain buried in the rubble, and hospitals are struggling to provide care. Thousands of victims, now homeless, are seeking shelter.
The Pan American Highway, the only thoroughfare on the coast of Peru, is severely damaged, making what is normally a 2.5-hour journey into one of more than eight hours. The destruction of phone lines and cellular towers has further hampered relief efforts.
The CRS field staff is identifying critical needs and coordinating the delivery of life-saving supplies. Based on past CRS disaster relief efforts, medical equipment, food, shelter, blankets and other life-saving supplies will be critical over the next several days.
The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency, and countries such as Mexico and Panama have pledged aid.
CRS is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency provides assistance to people in 98 countries and territories based on need, regardless of race, nationality or creed.
How to Help: Donate online: www.crs.org. Donate via phone: 1-877-HELP-CRS. Mail a check: Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Md., 21203-7090. Memo section of check: Peru earthquake fund.

(c) Copyright 2007 by Arlington Catholic Herald