One Year Later: Red Cross Helping Peru Earthquake Survivors Rebuild

When the massive
earthquake struck this region last August 15th, it left communities
crumbled, infrastructure destroyed and nearly 140,000 people homeless.
Although the spotlight has moved on, the American Red Cross is still on the
ground, working with the Peruvian Red Cross to help families rebuild
physically and mentally.



"Immediately we flew in relief supplies, Red Cross disaster experts and
the cash needed to help our sister society the Peruvian Red Cross," said
Eric Baranick, Head of the American Red Cross delegation in Peru, "but the
outpouring of kindness and generosity from donors has allowed us to stay,
helping those who lost their homes and communities recover beyond the first
critical months."



In the past year, nearly 2,000 families have been given the skills and
materials by the American Red Cross to build temporary wooden houses until
their new permanent homes could be built. The small wooden houses provide
dignity, privacy and warmth and are sturdy and flexible enough to withstand
high winds and recurrent tremors.



Boards, hammers and nails cannot fix all the damage; for some, the
effect of seeing their home and community destroyed runs much deeper. To
help heal the psychological impact, the American Red Cross supports
community activities like singing, dancing and arts and crafts.



"These activities help restore important community and social networks
that are often stressed during a disaster," says Erika Velasquez, the local
Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator from the Peruvian Red Cross. "We even
notice the impact among our volunteers. Now we recognize our stress and
lift each others spirits using techniques we learned from the American Red
Cross workers. It really helps!"



The American Red Cross is still working in more than 30 communities in
the earthquake affected region which is the size of New Jersey. The
organization plans to stay until at least next summer, working to
strengthen the Peruvian Red Cross and helping the communities get prepared
for future disasters.



You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year
by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response
Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through
supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The
American Red Cross honors donor intent.