Friday August 17, 2007 - After a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit the coastal area of Peru on August 16, 2007 and left hundreds dead, The Salvation Army in Canada is sending $50,000 USD to support the relief efforts.

Lt-Colonel Susan McMillan is a Canadian Salvation Army officer serving as the chief secretary (second in command) of the South America West Territory in which Peru is included. “Our officers have determined that there is a great need for our assistance in the town of Pisco and that is where we are concentrating our efforts. We have ascertained that the immediate needs for the village are water, food, surgical gloves, masks, blankets and mattresses. Pisco appears to be the worst hit area, but the roads to Ica, Chincha and Canete are cut,” says Colonel McMillan.

An emergency response team, led by Captains Carlos Aguilar and Rodrigo Vidaurre travelled to the city of Pisco to assess the extent of the damage from the quake and determine the basic needs.

The damages were very severe, with the majority of victims being reported in that city.

On the basis of their assessment, Major Betzabe Espinoza, divisional secretary for business administration, set out with a delegation of five Salvationists (soldiers), taking with them mattresses, blankets, sacks of rice, sugar, pasta, legumes, and other food items. The team was equipped with ‘field’ stoves, cooking pots, etc., so that a field kitchens could be set up in the area.

At midnight last Thursday another group of soldiers left Lima for Pisco with water, buckets, clothing, and children’s toys.

Unfortunately, communication with the team is difficult, as the telephone networks are saturated. However, in the last contact, Major Espinoza indicated that the team is coordinating with the civil defense authorities, firemen, and other institutions. Also Captains Juan Carrera and Giovanni Pumayalla have arrived from the south of Peru to join the team. The team has now divided in two, with one group going on to the city of Ica to evaluation the damages and needs there.

The aftershocks continue to rock these cities and others south of Lima.

It is estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 people will receive assistance from The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has been active in Peru since 1910, providing service that includes social services, health care, community centres and worship centres.