Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Damage Review - Peru After the Earthquake

(LIP-ir)  --  At 11 p.m. Peru's El Comercio reported that Arequipa had not felt the earthquake as bad as other regions in Peru. It was reported that the region did not suffer any casualties and that structures were not damaged.

According to El Comercio reporter, Carlos Zanabria, approximately 300 thousand people were participating in a parade in the streets of the city when the earthquake struck. Due to the fact that they were marching and in an open area, effects were not felt as badly.

Casualties

At approximately 11 p.m., Peru's Health Minister, Carlos Vallejos, reported that the death of 15 people has been confirmed. RPP News announced that the death toll had reached 46 and at least 350 people had been injured. The majority of deaths have been registered in Ica, Peru. A large number of people were killed when the Señor de Luren church collapsed during a church service in Ica.

Via Expresa

Due to the earthquake the Municipality of Lima has suspended the closure of the Via Expresa Highway in Lima, Peru. Traffic will proceed as normal.

School

Peru's President Alan Garcia stated that he will be in continuous meeting with his cabinet to find ways to assist Peruvians during this time of "anguish." He announced that all schools would be closed tomorrow. The President urged school administrations to check buildings before continuing classes.

Police

Police officers which were on leave or vacation have been called to make sure that Peru's streets stay safe and are protected from people that may try to take advantage of this time of crisis.

Hospitals

Peru's President has declared that all hospitals will assist all patients and that no one will be rejected. He added that Peru's armed forces will be on standby to handle situations which may arise.

Transportation

The Minister of Transportation announced that he would bring together all of the Ministry's workers so that affected areas could be cleaned and that repairs on streets, roads, avenues, highways and bridges would begin first thing tomorrow morning.

Communication

President Alan Garcia stated that communication services, such as cellular phone service providers and land line providers, would be investigated and reviewed since the collapse of these systems has left most of the country without a means of communication.

 | |

• Sports : Peru company donates $10,000 to young chess champ
• Art/Culture/History : "Quena" declared National Cultural Heritage in Peru
• APEC PERU 2008 : Peru seeks to attract more Chinese investment in APEC bilateral meeting
• Economy : Callao Port to move over 20 million tons of Peru’s exports this year
• Economy : Peru - Korea to start free trade negotiations

# MIGUEL MARTINEZ says :
16 August, 2007 [ 01:04 ]

Well,I just pray to the lord,and I wish nothing worst can be happing  again,now is 12.55pm in Houston and I'm monitoring,what is happing in Peru,checking the only site keep me update minute by minute.

www.adonde.com,this is a great site,I'm feel sorry about this mother nature quake,my family live in Pisco,and according the latest news,Pisco pueblo is in debris and I can control myself,I just want to cry because this is horrible,I wish people all around the world start helping this people in need.So far I here Mexico and Panama want to help Peru.Well please keep this place update because now is to hard to find any latest news at time.And GOD BLESS PERU.

# Mickey says :
16 August, 2007 [ 02:08 ]

It was sick i could see the building next to my house move side to side it laster about 30 seconds 7.9 richter scale power went down phone lines went dead it was SICK !

# Sister Claudia Toledo says :
16 August, 2007 [ 05:48 ]

 I am in the Philippines and my family is in Peru' The news about the earthquake break my heart thinking on them specially my sisters who live in Lima, until now we can't communicate with them. I just pray to God that he may remain close to everyone and may solidarity of nations help to build the affected area. thanks

# Paul Watters says :
16 August, 2007 [ 06:47 ]

I have family staying in Pucusana, does anyone know if there has been any damage there ?

# jerry flynn says :
16 August, 2007 [ 07:43 ]

we spoke with family in la victria,seems all is ok there,Let us all pray toGod for his help in this situation

# Juan Blake says :
16 August, 2007 [ 07:49 ]

People have been reporting that transportaion companies are taking advantage of this quake & are price gouging. I am staying home. People are running around like chickens with their heads cut off.

# Matty P says :
16 August, 2007 [ 08:32 ]

I'm compelled to come down and help...I speak enough Spanish to get by and I am an Emergency Medical Tech here in the states.

If anyone can send me more info as to how serious the situation is...I'd like to know if I can contribute.

# sophie liang says :
16 August, 2007 [ 08:34 ]

Does anyone know if there has been any damage either in Huanuco or Huanyaco?  My boyfriend might be there according his travelling planm however, I can't contact to him. I am appreciated that someone can send me some information. Thanks!!

# bob haelle says :
16 August, 2007 [ 08:43 ]

My daughter is in Ica. I am one of the lucky ones. My daughter is ok but needs to know how to out of Ica to a city that flies to the US. Does anyone have any information on that. Those of you that have written, I'll pray that your loved ones are ok.. I called the state dept at 202 647 5225 and they were very nelpful.

# matty p says :
16 August, 2007 [ 08:45 ]

Sorry, email: mookiebones@hotmail.com

# snoopy says :
16 August, 2007 [ 08:47 ]

So far it has been reported that Lima has not been badly damaged except for some places where there are many old houses, like Lima downtown, however, I just saw some buildings cracked so nobody is allow to get in as a precaution (Ministry of Work, educational institutions, etc). Chincha, Ica, Pisco, Cañete are the most affected areas, specially houses built of adobe are knocked, people need tents, food and clothes. Hope help arrives as soon as possible

# LIsa says :
16 August, 2007 [ 09:07 ]

Matty P:

Direct Relief has offered assistance as may be needed to the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) and is contacting local Peruvian authorities and healthcare partners to offer assistance. Contact them at: 805-964-4767 to find out if they will be sending a team down there. I think its great you are offering to help. Also, International Red Cross may give you a better assessment of what is needed.

On another note:

The United States Navy ship "Comfort" is on a humanitarian mission in Latin America, they left Trujillo, Peru over a day ago and are currently in Ecuador. This is a fully loaded hospital ship with pre-staged medical facilities, doctors, medical equipment & medication. I hope that the United States makes a good humanitarian decision and sends this ship back to Lima to help all those injured, because it would be such a boost and add more resources for those in need.  

# Mitch says :
16 August, 2007 [ 09:20 ]

Any damage, injuries in Cusco?  Or around Cusco?

# LUCY URBAN says :
16 August, 2007 [ 09:27 ]

To: Matty P. thank you so much for such a great offer, hoped the best for you.
My heart is with Peru, hoped USA send humanitarian mission,that will help an so many ways!!!
Anybody nows is the Central Lima is OK? please let me know, tryng
to contact my father, but with no result .

# Paul Watters says :
16 August, 2007 [ 09:40 ]

Hi Lucy Urban and others

I understand from speaking to people in lima that no real damage has been done although it was a scary 2 minutes.

In Pucusana approx 58km South of Lima water levels have risen but there is no real structural damage although part of the fishing harbour has collapsed. People are scared of a second tremor.

# Katita124 says :
16 August, 2007 [ 09:46 ]

Hello everyone,
This morning after seeing all the updates in every US news channel I just can't sit still and wait to see what happens. I went to the Red Cross website to see how I can start collecting clothes or food to be send to Peru but it states that they do not accept those kind of donations because it can be very expensive to ship abroad. Does anybody know another way on how to do this?
I just imagine all these poor people sleeping outside in the middle of winter and it really breaks my heart.
I talked to my mom last know via internet and luckily she is ok, she lives in Lima but it is just too hard beeing so far away right now.
I would appreciate if you can let me know what we can do from the US to help.
My prayers are with you all in Peru, always.

# Mitch says :
16 August, 2007 [ 09:52 ]

Your best bet is to provide cash to reputable agencies, like CARE and Red Cross.  With moola they can immediately buy what is specifically needed for each area or group of people.  They also have representatives in-country who know the customs, eating habits, etc.

# Anama says :
16 August, 2007 [ 10:17 ]

Matty, Katita, God will bless you for such a beautiful and good heart!! Thank you!
Bob Haelle: Usually, transportation between Ica and Lima is very fluid, there are good, reliable buses leaving all the time (Cruz del Sur, for example). Ica is about 3 or 4 hours south of Lima, and from Lima she can take a plane to the US.

Please, pray for Peru and its good people!

# Maria says :
16 August, 2007 [ 10:28 ]

Does anyone know the status of the airport in Lima?  Are international flights leaving the country?  I have family vacationing in Peru and am worried about their return to the States.

# RAH_in_AZ says :
16 August, 2007 [ 10:31 ]

Hi Mitch,

Just heard from my sister out of Cusco. She says she felt a slight sway -- and that she hasn't heard of any reports out there. No reports about Machu Picchu being effected.

Good wishes and hope to everyone.

# Steve says :
16 August, 2007 [ 10:38 ]

To Bob whose daughter is in Ica and wants a flight out.  This is just an idea from somebody who has travelled there but I HAVE NO REAL TIME KNOWLEDGE: 

If she can get a bus to Arequipa, she can then get a second bus from Arequipa to Puno, and from Puno a third bus to La Paz Bolivia.   Many US Carriers such as American Airlines have dailys to-from La Paz.   A similar scheme would be bus south to Tacna on the Chilean border, cross the border into Arica Chile, and then take a domestic flight from Arica to Santiago.  This might in fact be faster.

Best wishes

# Helen says :
16 August, 2007 [ 12:50 ]

Does anyone know how the airlines are as far as leaving on an International flight from Lima tomorrow morning?  My daughter has been in Cusco for 8 weeks doing volunteer work and is supposed to come home tomorrow and I have been unable to contact her.

My thoughts and prayers to everyone.

# Charlene says :
16 August, 2007 [ 13:10 ]

My daughter-in-law has family in Callao, which is a district in Lima on the ocean.  Does anyone know about damage there?  She has been unable to reach her Mother.  Thanks.  I will certainly be sending help to these poor people.

# Carol says :
16 August, 2007 [ 13:21 ]

My brother is in Canete Penel in Canete Lima Peru. Does anyone know of the damage the prison sustained ? Our prayer are with the people of Peru.

# snoopy says :
16 August, 2007 [ 13:33 ]

There was an ocean swell condition (last night) registered in Callao, poor districts as La Siberia, Canadá, San Judas Tadeo, Alan García y Barrio Fiscal Nº 5 were partially flood by the sea, authorites are helping people affected in this area, people are taking water out of their homes with buckets. Health assistance is being provided in this districts situation is calm now

# Mitch says :
16 August, 2007 [ 13:48 ]

Thank you RAH_in_AZ.  We operate the charity www.dentalprojectperu.org, bringing in volunteer dentists to work in the most poverty stricken areas of Peru, mostly around Cusco.  100% of our donations go to the charity.  As a team is in the Cusco area now, we have had calls, so appreciate the input from someone on the ground in the Cusco area.  Mitch

# abias says :
16 August, 2007 [ 14:10 ]

well, it is sometthing very very bad when  we get news  natural disaster such as these. because we dont know when it will be our time. we hope that it will cool down. even though we do not do anything, such as financial help, but we are together moraly. i feel alot to hte families that  lost their beloved. it  is my prayer that god keep you alive and it doesnt continue to shake.
            
        best wishes.
        my thoughts and prayers to everyone.

# andrew harland says :
16 August, 2007 [ 14:29 ]

my heart sank when i heard the news i have 2 beautiful children and family in Lima Peru.Peru and the Peruvian people are so very nice that i hope they are all getting the help and support they need in times of need.I received the news in England today by phone and was told most of the damage was in Ica.Lets hope things are attended on the double, come on world take notice and help ,thanks Andrew

# bill says :
16 August, 2007 [ 14:32 ]

my girlfriend is in the rainforest on an exploration,down river from puerto maldonado,any news on  quake in that area,thanx

# Jen says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:03 ]

Does anyone have information on traveling to Peru? I have plans to visit Peru starting next Tuesday and I am wondering what the current situation is regarding travel and services in the country and if I should cancel my trip. I fly into Lima and then planned to fly out and visit Cusco, Machu Picchu, Cachora, Puno, Lake Titicacca, Arequipa, and Ayacucho among other places. Does anyone know if major tourist destinations are closed and/or what the traveling situation is right now?

# Stuart says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:06 ]

Bill, Puerto Maldonado is fine, that part of the country felt very little.

# Stuart says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:06 ]

I've gathered together all the updates I've given here, some photos too, and will continue to update as any news is given.

# andrew harland says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:07 ]

hI Peru,anyone with un-answered question regarding the eartquake may like to visit www.terra.pe and go on the chat with local peoplei use it here in england to keep up to date,try it see what you think.good luck.Andrew

# Mickey says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:31 ]

For anyone who has family

There is no need to worry about anything there has been very little damage in the lima area if any especially in places like sanisidro, miraflores,lamolina ect everything is fine as a matter of fact most people went to work as normal and there has been no changes its a shame that its the poor people who always have to suffer in cases of natural disasters its now up to the people who were not afected to try and help in what ever way they can

# Cathryn says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:32 ]

I just arrived in Lima and heard the terrible news! 

Flights in were fine and I am sure it is the same with flights out of Lima too.

Does anyone know the extent of the damage to the pan american highway?  Is it better to take an alternative route to cusco?

God bless all those affected by this tragedy!

# Mickey says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:36 ]

Cathryn

Hey ! the panamerican highway is currently offlimits and bus services are being used to carry supplies strictly no passangers i think its endured heavy damages and about going to cusco the alternative would be by air but all domestic flights have been suspended

# Erin says :
16 August, 2007 [ 16:12 ]

Hi,
I know someone who travelled from Montreal to Lima. I have no idea how to find out if he is okay.

# LUCY URBAN says :
16 August, 2007 [ 16:23 ]

Hi Paul Watters, thanks so much for you info, feel better now.

It is too bad , always the poor are the ones to suffer the most. Wished to help, any one knows if help support is on is way? will like to contri-buted an any possible way. My heart is with everyone, it is painful to hear what happened , am Peruvian living abroad, I contacted Peruvians living in Chicago , also willing to help.

Mi thoughts with everyone

# Jessica Lui says :
16 August, 2007 [ 17:09 ]

I am looking for my brother and his girlfriend, last we heard they were staying in Huancayo.  They are Americans and are in Peru doing aid work.  We have yet to hear from them and are hoping and praying that is only due to internet being down.  Does anyone know how that area has been affected?

Thanks!

# Gail from Wales UK says :
16 August, 2007 [ 18:07 ]

I have just had a telephone call from my son who is in Huacachina and it seems that people there are ok.  Some have gone to Pisco to check on relatives there.  I hope this info may comfort or reassure those who are concerned about relatives in Huacachina

# Jessica Lui says :
16 August, 2007 [ 18:22 ]

Just heard from my family in Huancayo.  Apparently there was some slight shaking and that's all, no damage.  Hope this helps someone else.

# MARIETTA SUAREZ says :
17 August, 2007 [ 08:43 ]

I LIVE IN SOUTH SPAIN. I AM SUPPORTING A CHILD FROM CANETE, PERU. HIS NAME IS KEVIN PAUL QUISPE MENDIETA. I AM TRYING TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HIS AND HIS FAMILY SITUATION, BUT NOT RESULT AT THE MOMENT.

IF ANYONE KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT, PLEASE, LET ME KNOW. WE ARE  QUITE SAD AND DESPERATE.

OUR BEST WISHES FROM SPAIN. WE PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU!!!
MY EMAIL IS MARIETTASL@HOTMAIL.COM

# Kathy Flaherty says :
17 August, 2007 [ 08:54 ]

My daughter Colleen Flaherty, 24, was traveling by bus from LaPaz, Bolivia to Arequipa and was due to arrive there around the time the quake hit. She is traveling alone and we have not heard from her since Tuesday evening, 8/14. I am hoping it's only the damaged telecommunications system that has prevented her from checking in. Can someone tell me if power and phones in Arequipa have been severely affected, and if so, how soon will communication be restored? A worried Mom.

# snoopy says :
17 August, 2007 [ 10:50 ]

For those who have relatives in Ica, Chincha, Pisco, Mala, Cañete here there is a link where you can find a list of people who have been brougth to some hospitals in Lima. I hope this helps

http://www.rpp.com.pe/especiales/terremoto/listadooficial_16_hrs.html

http://www.rpp.com.pe/portada/nacional/92898_1.php

# snoopy says :
17 August, 2007 [ 11:15 ]

you can also check this link, there is a phone number as well (national and international phone calls available) that information is provided by the Ministry of Health, God bless you all…

http://www.minsa.gob.pe/portal/especiales/2007/unidos/relacion/default.asp

# Anne says :
17 August, 2007 [ 17:06 ]

Check out the www.nph.org and follow the link to the home in Peru.  There is a letter from the orphanage director commenting on the safety of the children and giving info on Canete and Lunahuana.  Hope this helps.  

# Sandy says :
30 August, 2007 [ 15:50 ]

I am looking for Herb & Kim Dunn.  They have lived in Lima for some time now.  Please let me know if anyone knows of them.

# Helen James says :
8 September, 2007 [ 13:38 ]

My family just returned from Lima. My wonderful daughter-in-law is from there, we had planned this trip long before the quake. We visited Chincha and other cities that had horrific devastation. My heart goes out to these wonderful, and loving people. We were able to take money and New Testaments (in Spanish) that was donated by our church. As we gave these out, the people cried and was so appreciative. These people have almost nothing left, and not getting very much help from their goverment. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Peruvian Country. They are wonderful people.

# xc says :
8 September, 2007 [ 17:22 ]

I gave a hungry homeless person a new testament once too. They also cried.

# jerry flynn says :
10 September, 2007 [ 07:54 ]

No news is not always Good news.We havent really heard much about the village where there are some 12,500 people left homeless,and where aid is needed and unmet most.I know God has a plan but if anyone has news.Please reply/