According to the latest official report, the death toll from last week’s earthquake in Peru has risen to 503 dead and 1,042 injured. In addition, 34,410 houses and four hospitals were destroyed and 11 hospitals suffered considerable damage, as assessed by the relevant authorities of the Peruvian Government.
The most urgent humanitarian needs at the moment are water, water containers, water purification tablets, tents, tarpaulin, electric generators, portable beds, blankets and tools to remove rubble. With the support of international cooperation, the Peruvian Government has implemented two campaign hospitals. Lack of sanitary facilities is posing a serious threat to health conditions. Eleven provisional shelters have been organized and the local government has anticipated that 2,000 tents will be received; still, 5,000 more units are needed.
A United Nations interagency team (UNDSS, UNDP, PAHO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNDAC) is working in the affected areas. In addition to the items already sent, UNICEF also plans to distribute 514,800 chlorine tablets and 3,000 water containers. These supplies will be distributed through the Ministry of Health as soon as possible.
