Shaken up - earthquake in Peru

(Photos from BBC news)

As many of you have probably heard, there was a large earthquake in Peru this week measuring up to 8.0 on the richter scale. The epicentre was just off the coast of Peru and has mainly affected the towns of Cañete, Ica and Pisco. 500 people have died and an estimated 80,000 people have been directly affected in the towns mentioned. Lima, the capital, where 12 million of the 20 million population live also felt the aftershocks and many people there have been without electricity and water.

Showing the range of the earthquake

The earthquake won't affect us going to Peru and we have been in contact with our friends there. In the shantytowns, one family we know now have a large crack in their house and people have been without water and electricity for a while – the electricity is back on in most areas but lots are still without running water. The country has declared 3 days of mourning (finishing today) and some of the churches we worked with before are collecting things together, like blankets and clothes, to help the victims in the worst hit areas. It’s amazing that these people who have hardly anything themselves are rallying together to help others in an even worse situation.

For those of you who do, please pray for the country at this time – knowing the Peruvians they will be rather shaken up by the events and some of them fearful (especially as accurate information from the media is difficult to find at times).
For more information on the earthquake take a look at www.bbc.co.uk/news or www.livinginperu.com (where money can also be given through the Red Cross)