Working with the Government of Peru, United Nations (UN) agencies
and national partners, IOM is taking the lead in establishing and
managing temporary camps for people made homeless by the 15 August
earthquake and to assist those who sought refuge in three camps
located in the three main affected provinces of Chincha, Pisco and
Ica, south of the capital Lima.

The UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has approved USD
4,419,100 for IOM to carry out its emergency work in Peru. 
Through this funding support, IOM will provide shelter and non-food
items, including 12,000 winterized tents, materials for housing,
cooking sets, blankets and mattresses.

Preliminary results of a UN Inter-Agency assessment confirmed
that the priority needs are dry latrines, housing materials (wood,
plastic roofs), blankets, clothing and disposable surgery
materials.

As a lead agency in shelter and camp management, IOM will work
with the National Authority (INDECI), the Ministries of Health,
Water and Sanitation, Labour, and Women and Social Development, as
well as with the local government of the Department of Ica to
assist victims living in temporary camps, as many as 60,000
persons, during the next six months. 

The 15 August earthquake measuring 7.9 degrees on the Richter
scale struck the Department of Ica.  According to the US
Geological Survey, the epicentre was 25 miles (61 kilometres)
west-northwest of Chincha Alta and 90 miles (161 kilometres)
south-southeast of Lima.

Peru's National Institute of Civil Defence reports that 514
people lost their lives and 1,090 were injured; 39,741 houses were
destroyed and thousands more were damaged. Fourteen hospitals were
also destroyed and a further 52 damaged.

For further information, please contact:

Dolores Cortés

IOM Lima

Tel: + 51.1.221 7209

E-mail:  "mailto:dcortes@iom.int">dcortes@iom.int