Press Release

OFID extends US$200,000 grant for earthquake victims in Peru

23/2007 August 20, 2007, Vienna, Austria
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The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has approved a grant of US$200,000 for victims of a recent massive earthquake that hit the central coastal region of Peru. According to OFID Director-General, Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, the grant, to be channeled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, will be used to procure essential supplies and finance emergency operations.

 The destruction has left at least 450 dead, injured1,500 and renderedtens of thousands homeless. The earthquake also cut off electricity and communications in several regions. Among areas severely hit was the town of Pisco, with a population of over 54,000 where about 70% of the basic infrastructure was either damaged or destroyed.

The Peruvian Government has declared a state of emergency in the worse-hit areas, and is coordinating with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society in channeling relief materials . Immediate needs include water and water purification tablets, clothes, blankets, beddings, plastic sheetings and psychological support.

The amount will be drawn from the OFID Special Grant Account for Emergency Aid Operations. Since its inception in December 2005, a total of US$6.2 million has been disbursed for a variety of emergency aid assistance around the world.