LOS ANGELES (August 16, 2007) Operation USA, a 28-year-old international relief agency based in Los Angeles, is responding to the 8.0 earthquake that shook the coast of Peru, just 100 miles from the capital city of Lima, on August 15. Early reports estimate that hundreds have died and thousands are homeless with significant structural damage in a wide area of Peru. These numbers are expected to rise as rescue workers regain access to the hardest hit areas.
Operation USA is requesting the public's assistance in providing financial support and asking U.S. corporations to provide bulk, uniform quantities of appropriate medical, nutritional, hygiene and shelter supplies, as well as tents, blankets, water purification and power generation equipment. To determine the most appropriate way to deliver aid, Operation USA is currently contacting local grassroots organizations to identify the most urgent needs.
"Operation USA provided quake relief in the Peru quake of 2001 and was able to make a small but significant contribution at that time. We are currently assessing needs for emergency supplies and other assistance," said Operation USA President, Richard Walden. "In 2001, we rebuilt five schools and provided post traumatic stress counseling to quake victims. As with every disaster, we ask the public to refrain from collections of used clothing and other inappropriate materials."
HOW TO HELP: To assist Operation USA in delivering aid to the victims of this earthquake, contact 800.678.7255 or donate online at www.opusa.org.
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