Cologne/Cañete. The international network of the Sovereign Order of Malta provides 120,000 US dollars to realize further relief programmes for the victims of the severe earthquake that hit Peru. The money will be employed in transitional and rehabilitation projects. This help will be provided especially to the neediest families who did not only loose their homes but all their belongings due to the catastrophe.

When the earthquake hit the country, the Peruvian Association of the Order of Malta immediately started to collect life-saving items such as foodstuff, clothes and dressing material. Numerous volunteers of the relief service of the Peruvian Association are distributing them to the victims. In addition, three doctors and two paramedics of the Association provide first aid for the wounded.

Special attention is also paid to the children. In Cañete, the members of the Order of Malta are arranging a children's party to give the children a chance to overcome their haunting memories.