Still great needs after Peru earthquake

When a devastating earthquake hit southern Peru last August, Latin Link member Juliana Horne immediately sprang into action. She played an important role, working with our partner Paz y Esperanza (‘Peace and Hope’) to organise a response and to secure funding.

Paz y Esperanza was quickly able to pull together a team of Christian professionals and volunteers, who were first based in Ica and then in Pisco.

‘In addition, as a couple, Ian and I have been administering Latin Link relief funds,’ says Juliana. ‘These have been channelled through Paz y Esperanza and through the Peruvian student group, AGEUP.

‘Just before Christmas we made a short visit as a family to the affected areas, to see how the work was progressing. As we travelled in on the bus, we were overwhelmed by the extent of the area affected by the devastation. We passed through four major towns and numerous smaller villages that still show massive destruction; field after field was covered with rubble. International and government help with reconstruction has been promised, but is really slow in materialising.’

A year later, there is still tremendous need. People continue living in precarious situations, in tents and other improvised shelters. Plastic covers designed to protect the shelters from the heavy rainfall are largely inadequate; and the humidity creates unhealthy living conditions.

An important priority is to continue providing supplementary food, and to supply suitable, medium-term temporary housing for the tens of thousands of affected families.

In urban areas, Paz y Esperanza has focused its response on supporting 12 church and community supplementary feeding programmes, and providing recreational therapy and pastoral support for children. It has also helped a junior school and a nursery school with temporary buildings so that schooling can continue.
Amid the great need, moving examples of generosity arise, such as that of Wilfredo and Rosaura, a pastor and wife who have opened up their home and church to feed 100 children and 30 adults with one meal a day.

'Rosaura welcomes us with a big smile. She picks up our little Daniel, cradling him in one arm, while continuing cooking with the other. Her joy in giving to others is infectious, and was evident in the team of volunteers as well. This church, like many others we visited, has been a big source of strength and hope to their neighbours, and many people have come to faith.'

‘We were inspired by the love and commitment of the Christian ladies leading the feeding programmes.’

Community canteens supported by Paz y Esperanza have also been spaces for raising-up leaders with increased confidence and a renewed faith. Meli Laigachuco, who runs a canteen, is one: ‘We are so thankful to God for the presence of Paz y Esperanza. I’d never dreamed that I’d be able to organise my community to help each other in this way. Our next project after the canteens, is to open up our Wawawasi (a Quechua word for children’s day care).’

Paz y Esperanza has also been helping three neglected rural communities to reconnect water supplies, and has supported self-build, medium- term housing.

Left: This strong, lightweight structure is just awaiting a final coat of cement.

As Paz y Esperanza scales down the scope of its relief activity, the team is making a determined effort to link churches and communities with other sources of support.

Latin Link sent two Spring Step teams to the area in March, where they are helping churches affected by the disaster. Further teams are working there over the summer.