A strong earthquake at 7.9 magnitude hit Peru on Wednesday, 15th and with an aftershock at 6.2 magnitude on the next day. CBM has an assessment team with the ophthalmologist Dr Cesar Gonzalez in the department of Ica, which lies near the epicentre, 350 km south of the capital of Lima. Relief items are already under way.

Julia Asmat, the wife of Dr Miguel Asmat, who works as an ophthalmologist with CBM’s partner the diocese of Lurin - reports that 1000 bottles of eye drops, other medicines, blankets and food have been bought to the value of 10,000 US dollars, and will be distributed to the affected population in the disaster region with the most affected cities Pisco, Chincha, Ica, and Cañete. The First Lady of Peru, Maria del Pilar Nores Bodereau de Garcia, will be accompanied by Julia Asmat in this distribution visit.

The eye drops are needed to help people overcome their conjunctivitis, which occurs frequently due to downfall of mud and dust. CBM’s regional office in Ecuador is in contact with the National Institute for Eye Medicine.

Sister Mary Valera, of CBM’s partner San Francisco de Asis is also visiting schools and institutions for children and adults with disabilities in Ica.

Officials have confirmed 540 people were killed and over 1,500 injured by the quakes, which wrecked Peru's central coast. The cities of Pisco and Ica have been vastly devastated, leaving 40.000 buildings destroyed or partly affected. In Ica, the roof of a church full of people collapsed.

Further information: CBM’s programmes in Peru