The Order’s local organisations step in

Following the dramatic earthquake (7.9 on the Richter scale) which has ravaged the southern coast of Perù, the voluntary relief service of the Peruvian Association of the Order of Malta has immediately started collecting the most needed items for the victims.

The Peruvian Malteser volunteers will bring the relief goods to the disaster area and distribute them to the families in need, in cooperation with the local parishes. In addition, three doctors and two paramedics of the Peruvian Association are giving first aid to the earthquake victims.

Appeal by the Peruvian Association of the Order

The President of the Peruvian Association, Fernando de Trazegnies y Granda, has sent out a special appeal to help the children in the earthquake area: “The volunteers of the Malteser relief service and the Peruvian Association are now focusing on giving help to families with children. After the catastrophe life must go on. And despite the severe disaster, it is important that we give the children the possibility of forgetting, so they can enjoy their lives again,” he declared.

The most recent report from the National Institute of Civil Defence, dated 20 August 2007, gives the following statistics:

Deaths officially certified: 503

Wounded: 1,039

Houses destroyed: 35,214

Houses affected: 4,053

Hospitals destroyed: 4

Hospitals affected 16

Malteser International activities

Malteser International is in close contact with the President of the Peruvian Association, Fernando de Trazegnies y Granda, and with Prelate Dr. Helmut Zielinski.

The Grand Magistry of the Sovereign Order of Malta urgently appeals for donations and encourages all Associations and everyone willing to help, to collect money so that Malteser International can support the efforts of the Peruvian Association and its voluntary service. Your financial contribution to the benefit of the victims of the earthquake is highly appreciated as it means we can give ongoing assistance after the first emergency relief stage is over.

For more information:

www.malteser-international.org