Working through parishes, church helps Peruvian quake victims

Published: 2007-08-21

LIMA, Peru (CNS) -- When it comes to dealing with disasters like the powerful earthquake that struck Peru's southern coast Aug. 15, the Catholic Church has an advantage -- the pastors know the people. In responding to an emergency, "you build on your strengths," said Aaron Skrocki, South American emergency program manager for Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops' overseas humanitarian and development agency. "Having a local (parish) community in place that knows the people better than any local government official does makes it much easier to get a response effort up and running." Skrocki arrived in Peru the night after the earthquake and traveled Aug. 17 to Chincha, Pisco and Ica, the three cities nearest the epicenter. The scene was chaotic immediately after the earthquake, which killed more than 500 people, injured more than 1,000 and left at least 35,000 families homeless. Although more than 200 flights, carrying more than 600 tons of supplies, had arrived at the air force base in Pisco, distribution was slow. "There was a lack of coordination," said Luis Cordoba, emergency coordinator for CRS in Peru.

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