PERU EARTHQUAKE 15 August one-year on[]
Lead-in from news article[]
This week is the run-up to the exact first anniversary of the Peruvian Earthquake 15 August 2007 at 6:37:08 pm local time. The epicentre was off the Chincha Islands near Pisco, ninety-five mile south of Lima.
The response of Peruvians in the UK was near-immediate. Several support groups / events were organised. The Embassy presented a fund-raising concert in the Bolivar Hall whilst PEAC, the Peru Earthquake Aid Committee representing a wide cross-section of Peruvians and Peruvian cultural associations in the UK hosted several events including a soccer tournament, the proceeds of which went to three schools in the Earthquake Zone (EZ). A multiplicity of other fund and resource raising activities throughout the UK, Peru, Europe and effectively the whole world contributed to the emergency relief operation. Each one of these deserves praise and thanks. For the victims in the EZ however the only support which arrived soon enough was that which had been organised in anticipation, such as that from the local civil defence and emergency services. From the UK a team of firemen and of doctors started out within hours. They had standing organisations waiting for the eventuality.
As the period of the emergency began to phase out into that of reconstruction and rehabilitation, the question in Europe was how support could be given to this latter phase of operations and in the longer term towards preparation (somewhat pessimistically but realistically) for the next earthquake, volcanic eruption or tsunami. PEAC came up with their “Bridgebuilder” programme. This was launched at a meeting at the House of Commons (the British parliament) 16/10/07. The programme was designed so that it can be supported by non-specialists (basic skills: writing, taking photos or videos or recording sound). At the same time it can receive “contributions” from earthquake specialists in the form of articles, joint research projects and by attending expert conferences.
Locals in the EZ will tell you that the emergency for them is far from over and many questions remain unanswered. Why did buildings collapse when their equivalents in Arequipa, during the stronger earthquake six years previously, did not? Why was their no plan for emergency housing located in a secure zone? Why has it taken so long for the post-emergency phase to take off? How can the next emergency be planned for?
Even if you live some thousands of miles from the EZ and whether you are a specialist or a non-specialist it is still possible to make a non-monetary, non-financial contribution to the reconstruction, rehabilitation and regeneration of the EZ (Earthquake Zone).
You can make a significant contribution by adding an article to the Opentext Journal of Peruvian Studies / Minkapedia (these pages: click create new article below) or by editing or discussing any of the existing articles.
If you would like guidance in doing this, please write to the coordinator by placing a message on the discussion page.