ARLINGTON, VA, (August 17, 2007) – The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) has joined the Washington, DC-based Embassy of Peru and the Consulate General to encourage those who wish to help victims of the deadly August 15 earthquake to donate cash, as an alternative to gifts-in-kind and other commodities, in order to provide optimal assistance. It is widely recognized that cash donations are the most efficient and effective means of response, a policy supported by CIDI's funding partner, the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and those in the established international disaster response community.
The recent earthquake is a heartbreaking tragedy for the people of Peru," said Suzanne H. Brooks, the director of CIDI. "It is critical that relief workers on the ground have the resources to respond quickly and effectively to victims' needs. Cash donations are the best and most effective way for Americans to offer assistance, allowing agencies already in Peru to purchase exactly what is needed help the victims and help to support the local economy."
Brooks offered valuable insight on international disaster response, "We must remember that even small donations can make a big difference as U.S. dollars offer great value in Peru. On the other hand, donated good may not be environmentally, culturally or socially appropriate for the disaster area."
The 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck approximately 125 miles southeast of Peru’s capital, Lima, claiming an estimated 400 lives to date and injuring more than 1,500 people. Countless others have been left homeless in the area near Pisco, the quake’s epicenter, as approximately 70% of the city of 68,000 residents was destroyed. The earthquake was the worst tremor felt in the region since the 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck in September 2005 and a 7.9-magnitude earthquake near the southern Andean city of Arequipa in 2001.
Individuals and organizations interested in making contributions to help the victims of the Peru earthquake can get more information by visiting CIDI's
Web site at www.cidi.org. In addition, interested donors can visit www.interaction.org
to obtain a list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies
and www.give.org to get valuable information on making informed decisions when supporting charities.
The Peruvian community, in cooperation with the Embassy of Peru and the Consulate General in Washington DC, has established a task force named Sismo Peru 2007, whose task is working with credible national and international non-governmental organizations experienced in relief efforts.
The Peruvian Embassy and the Consulate General have set up a relief fund for those interested in donating directly to the victims. Checks can be mailed to: "Peru Sismo/Earthquake 2007", 1625 Massachusetts Ave. Suite 605, Washington DC 20036, with reference to Account Number 15378535 (Routing 254070116), CITIBANK NA. On-line donations can be processed through PayPal on the Web site: www.peruvianembassy.us.
Further information related to the earthquake, or about Peru in general, can
be obtained at: www.peruvianembassy.us or www.consuladoperu.com.
