August 17, 2007

Contact: Caitlin Carlson, 503-548-8497

-- At least 510 dead, 80,000 affected following 7.9 magnitude quake

-- Mercy Corps working with Partners of the Americas to support an emergency response

PORTLAND, Ore. - Late Wednesday evening, a 7.9 earthquake shook coastal southern Peru, killing at least 510 people and directly affecting 80,000 more. Mercy Corps recognized the immense needs resulting from the quake, and quickly selected an experienced local organization, Partners of the Americas, to help speed resources to affected families.

Right now, Partners of the Americas' emergency workers are on the ground helping to secure and distribute shelters, water purification tablets, tents, tools, first-aid kits and other humanitarian items needed for families trying to recover from the largest earthquake to hit their country in decades.

"Partners of the Americas already has established operations in the affected areas," said Mercy Corps' Director of Heath programs, Carlos Cardenas, who is a native Peruvian. "Mercy Corps is partnering with them to meet immediate needs and support a quick and efficient response."

Powerful aftershocks continue to rattle the country; a 5.9 aftershock hit early Friday morning. The initial quake caused buildings to collapse, and major motorways to coastal towns were destroyed or blocked. Power lines were knocked down, cutting off communication, and many residents of these coastal communities are without access to clean water.

"The quake hit in an area of Peru where large international humanitarian organizations have not operated in a number of years, but there are established and trusted local organizations," Cardenas added.

Health support and distribution of basic supplies such as water, food, shelter and more will be addressed quickly in the days ahead. The two organizations are collaborating to determine how best to support the longer-term recovery of impoverished communities hardest hit by the quake.

Mercy Corps chose Partners of the Americas because of their excellent reputation and extensive volunteer network in the region. Founded in 1964, they are the largest volunteer-based organization in the Western Hemisphere engaged in social, economic and cultural development.

Mercy Corps has worked in Latin America for more than 20 years. The agency currently operates humanitarian programs in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia. Mercy Corps responded to Hurricane Stan in Guatemala in 2005, and Hurricane Mitch in Honduras and Nicaragua in 1998.

HOW TO HELP:

Mercy Corps

Peru Earthquake

Dept. NR

PO Box 2669

Portland OR 97208

www.mercycorps.org

1-800-852-2100

Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.3 billion in assistance to people in 100 nations. Supported by headquarters offices in North America, Europe and Asia, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,400 staff worldwide and reach nearly 14.4 million people in more than 35 countries. For more information, visit www.mercycorps.org.

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