ADRA Responds to Peru Earthquake, please pass this on..

[Stan]

Silver Spring, Maryland-The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is on the ground in Peru assessing survivors' needs, after a 7.9 earthquake struck off the coast, 90 miles southeast of Lima, at 6:40 p.m. local time Wednesday evening. ADRA has initiated an immediate response to meet the most urgent needs of survivors in the earthquake-hit Ica province, including emergency medical care, water, food, tents, and blankets.

According to the latest reports issued by Peruvian Civil Defense authorities, the massive earthquake killed at least 450 people and left more than 1,300 injured throughout the coastal region.

The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in Ica, a coastal province located 165 miles south of Lima, and the most heavily affected region, with hundreds killed, many homes and buildings completely demolished, and downed power lines.

In order to provide the most immediate and direct assistance for survivors, ADRA is accepting financial donations, which will be used to purchase additional emergency response supplies in Peru.

To donate to ADRA's earthquake response efforts in Peru, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or donate online to ADRA's Peru Earthquake fund at www.adra.org. To find church bulletin inserts in English and Spanish, go to www.adra.org/peru.

ADRA will continue to assess the situation and meet the changing needs of survivors in the aftermath of the earthquake. Updates will be released as response efforts expand in the coming days and weeks.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.