GENEVA, September 11, 2007. Members of the global alliance, Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, are continuing their response to vulnerable rural families following the mid-August earthquake in Peru.

"Following the disaster, people were without homes and had many difficulties finding drinkable water, food and shelter. Children and adults were also suffering major psychological effects," reported Gilberto Romero Zeballos, director of ACT member, the Centre for Studies and Disaster Prevention (PREDES).

In Grocio Prado, Chincha, ACT members, PREDES and the Evangelical Lutheran Association for Aid to Community Development (DIACONIA), have provided an initial 100 temporary emergency shelters. Families are constructing the shelters themselves using local materials.

ACT member, Lutheran World Relief (LWR), is also providing emergency food kits to 250 vulnerable families in the districts of San Juan de Castrovirreyna, Villa de Arma, Cotas, Tantará, Aurahua and Chupamarca, which are in the provinces of Huaytará and Castrovirreyna in the Huancavelica Region. In addition, psychosocial care is being given to 500 children through recreational activities.

The response is being coordinated within existing community structures, groups and leadership, as they provide assistance to people in need. "The ACT assessment team first went to the community and organized the people in an emergency committee, which helped to facilitate fair assistance and encouraged the participation of the affected population in decisions addressing the situation," said Mr. Zeballos.

Future assistance includes water interventions, extended psychosocial support as well as additional support where needed to strengthen community networks. DIACONIA, LWR and PREDES are all coordinating their efforts as part of the ACT Peru forum and they are also remaining in contact with government agencies and other responders in the region.

The initial response is currently being funded through the ACT Rapid Response Fund providing assistance for an initial three months. Members are planning to submit a larger ACT appeal for approval in the coming days.

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Action by Churches Together (ACT) International is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide.

For further information, please contact: Callie Long, ACT Communications Officer (office: +41 22 791 6039 / mobile: +41 79 358 3171)

Sidney Traynham, ACT Assistant Communications Officer (office: +41 22 791 6711 / mobile: +41 79 681 1868)