Catholic Relief Services (CRS) staff in Peru are rushing to assist survivors of the country’s worst earthquake in more than 30 years. More than 450 people are reported dead, and over 1,500 others injured.

The powerful 8.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred on August 15 toppled homes, churches and buildings from the temblor’s epicenter in the Department of Ica to the capitol city Lima, over 100 miles away. Powerful aftershocks, registering as high as 6.0 were expected to continue, putting people already affected by extreme winter weather at even greater risk.

Initial reports from Ica say bodies remain buried in the rubble and hospitals are struggling to provide care. Thousands of victims, now homeless, were seeking shelter.

The Pan American Highway, the only thoroughfare on the coast of Peru, is severely damaged, making what is normally a 2.5-hour journey into one of more than 8 hours. And the destruction of phone lines and cellular towers has further hampered relief efforts.

CRS field staff are identifying critical needs and coordinating the delivery of life-saving supplies. Based on past CRS disaster relief efforts, medical equipment, food, shelter, blankets and other essential materials will be critical over the next several days.

The government of Peru has declared a state of emergency, and countries such as Mexico and Panama have pledged aid.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency provides assistance to people in 98 countries and territories based on need, regardless of race, nationality or creed.

How to Help:

Donate online: www.crs.org
Donate via phone: 1-877-HELP-CRS
Mail a check: Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090
Memo section of check: Peru Earthquake Fund