A series of earthquakes has struck Peru, leaving more than 500 people dead and 1,600 injured, with tens of thousands of people homeless.
A 7.9 quake hit Peru's coast on Wednesday, August 15, with the worst damage in the coastal cities of Ica and Pisco, south of the capital Lima. Power supplies, communications and roads have all been disrupted, and hospitals report being overwhelmed and under-staffed to handle the amount of injured people. A severe aftershock of 5.9 struck the country on August 17, two days later.
Because it is currently winter in Peru, the loss of homes is particularly devastating for its citizens. In addition, the people that are predominately affected by the earthquake include many Afro-Peruvians, a community which is already grappling with disproportionate poverty and a lack of infrastructure. Afro-Peruvians are excluded from government sponsored initiatives and services because they are not considered a minority or ethnic group.
In keeping with its grantmaking philosophy of focusing on vulnerable populations, American Jewish World Service's work in Peru gives special focus to the Afro-descendant populations of Peru's coast. With constant communication with grantees on the ground in Peru, AJWS is in a unique position to address the needs of the affected communities at this time.
AJWS is currently working with LUNDU and CEPDUR, grantees that support communities at the epicenter of the quake. LUNDU, the Center for Afro-Peruvian Studies and Promotion, a network of black youth organized to promote the identity of Afro-Peruvians through cultural renewal and promotion of human rights. CEPDUR, the Center for Urban and Rural Development, works with indigenous and Afro-descendant women and youth on community development programs.
The organizations report that all homes in the quake area have been destroyed and that community members do not have access to shelter. LUNDU's own training and community center has been badly damaged.
AJWS is supporting LUNDU and CEPDUR as they organize their communities to conduct needs assessments and develop action plans. Through access to resources, tools and networking opportunities, LUNDU and CEPDUR will be active participants in local and international sponsored relief efforts ensuring their voices are heard during this critical needs mitigation phase.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
