The mid-August huge earthquake has killed at least 730 and left more than 85,000 without water and shelter.
Maria Ysabel is Director of DEMUS, one of WOMANKIND’s partners in Peru. She has just been to the devastated region of Ica where 90 per cent of the families we work with ? and some of our colleagues in local partner organisation FEPROMU ? have lost their homes.
With emergency financial support from WOMANKIND, Maria and FEPROMU staff were able to hire a bus to distribute food, water and blankets.
Local co-ordinator Liliana emphasised how important WOMANKIND’s support, practical help, and solidarity has been, and continued, ’The people most affected are those who don't have a place to stay. Nights are cold and the weather is badly affecting children.
‘On the other hand, they don't want to go to other places as they are afraid they will lose the last things remaining from their houses.’
Donations from WOMANKIND supporters are being used to buy food, water, tents, blankets, medicines and clothes for the earthquake survivors.?
The effort is being co-ordinated on the ground by WOMANKIND’s partner, the Ica Women’s Federation (FEPROMU). Director, Marina Mendoza, said: ‘Everybody in Ica has been affected. Families are sleeping on the streets in the cold winter weather, they don’t have food or blankets, electricity or water. Aid from the government is very slow and is not reaching the poorest communities. Solidarity and support from people around the world is much needed.’
If you would like to support WOMANKIND in our work across the world please go to our donations page.Last updated 03 September 2007
