The situation in the affected areas has stabilized. The strategy for helping the affected areas is transitioning from rescue work where the emphasis is on searching for survivors, providing emergency medical care and passing-out food rations to the recovery phase. This entails the construction of temporary shelters, temporary work programs for the residents of the affected areas, and the removal of debris and the demolition of unsafe buildings.
The next phase is the rebuilding of civil society which should begin in earnest in the next two weeks. National and international relief agencies will concentrate on helping the affected towns and communities regain a sense of "normalcy." Projects will certainly focus on reopening the schools, reorganizing the municipalities, repairing irrigation canals and water systems, restoring damaged buildings and providing social services and counseling. This phase is where Peace Corps Volunteers can make a significant impact in improving the lives of those affected. To this end, I have been in contact with Crisis Corps to begin developing a strategy where Volunteers can work in an organized and effective manner to provide relief and development assistance. Five staff, including myself, and the five Ica Volunteers will be traveling tomorrow to affected areas to visit with and offer support to their host-families and counterparts, assess the possibility of these Volunteers continuing to work in Ica, and conduct an initial assessment of work opportunities for Crisis Corps Volunteers.
On Monday, I will send you an update regarding our findings and more information about the possible addition of the Crisis Corps Program to PC/Peru and how it may effect you.
In related news, many Volunteers have asked how there communities and/or family and friends back home can help with the relief effort. Currently, the US Embassy is compiling a list of reputable national and international NGOs that are accepting monetary donations for the purpose of providing relief assistance to Ica. On Monday, I hope to forward you the list. In-kind donations such as blankets, food and medical supplies are discouraged by most relief organizations working in the area.
That is all for now.
Saludos,
Marko
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