Save the children: Mario Testino launches appeal to help children in Peru.
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Monday, 20, Aug 2007 12:00
World renowned Peruvian photographer Mario Testino launches Save the Children's global appeal for children affected by the quake in Peru
Mario Testino flew away from Lima just one day before an earthquake measuring 8 on the richter scale struck the coast of Peru. Speaking out for the first time about the damage caused and the families left homeless in his country, Testino calls for support for Save the Children's global appeal to help reach those affected by the crisis. The appeal is for help to provide items such as blankets costing £2 each, and all-weather tents to help families protect themselves from the cold costing £100.
Testino says: "I left Lima the night before the earthquake and the temperatures were very low. The thought of these people living with their sorrow and pain in these freezing conditions is extremely sad."
Current death tolls are at over 500, with 3000 more injured and over one million people affected. Authorities believe that at least 80% of the houses in Pisco have been destroyed. Thousands are homeless and out in the cold.
The numbers of those affected are bound to climb as more areas are cleared of rubble and more families found.
Testino continues: "The epicenter of the lima earthquake, even though in the ocean, is 300 kilometers inland from the place I was raised. Ica is where all our agriculture comes from and I visited it often when I lived in Lima.
The people most affected are inevitably humble and they are some of the kindest people you can possibly imagine. Please help in any way you can. It will be very much appreciated. Many thanks on behalf of my countrymen. "
The official launch of Save the Children's global appeal for £3 million coincides with the arrival on Monday of the organisation's first aid flight delivery of 1,000 blankets, 500 sets of essential cooking equipment and 60 large tents. Save the Children aid workers will be distributing these in Pisco, one of the worst affected cities, to give warmth and protection against cold weather.
The high humidity in the day, and harsh winter temperatures at night, mean there is an urgent need for temporary shelters, blankets, clothes and food to protect these families now living out on the streets.
These awful conditions are made harder by a lack of access to the families.
Phone networks have been damaged and many of the roads that would make the delivery of food, blankets and water possible have been submerged under rubble. Still now, rumbles of the earthquake are shaking the ground, leaving children scared and with no way of protecting themselves.
Dominic Nutt in Pisco quote: "Our appeal is a call for help for these children left out in the cold at night. They are incredibly vulnerable in their current situation. We are already working in the affected area today we will be receiving our first aid flight delivery of blankets, family tents and kitchen equipment to help those without homes protect themselves from the cold."
To donate or arrange interviews with spokespeople on the ground in Peru
visit:
US: www.savethechildren.com Save the Children US media office: 001 202-294-9700
UK: www.savethechildren.org.uk. Save the Children media office: 07831 650
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Alliance: www.savethechildren.net
Notes for Editors:
Save the Children has been working in Peru since 1980
SOUTH ASIA FLOODS APPEAL: Around 10 million children in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are in danger due to terrible flooding. We need £2 million to supply clean water, food and shelter. Please help by making a donation at www.savethechildren.org.uk/donate or phoning our donation hotline on 0800 8 148 148.
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