WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced it will provide an initial $100,000 as a result of U.S. Ambassador P. Michael McKinley's disaster declaration today due to the effects of an earthquake off the coast of Peru. Funds will go towards the local purchase and transport of emergency relief supplies to those affected. In addition, USAID has also deployed a five-member emergency team.

On August 15 at 1840 hours local time, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck near the town of Chicha Alta, 95 miles south-southeast of Lima along the Pacific coast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake killed approximately 450 people, injured at least 1,000 others, and destroyed 377 homes according to preliminary figures from Peru's civil defense agency (INDECI). The Government of Peru has declared a state of emergency in the Department of Ica and Cañete Province, and INDECI has deployed assessment teams to Ica and Chincha provinces.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Peru in the face of this major natural disaster, and we stand ready to further assist the country based on needs identified by the government in the coming days.

USAID will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.

For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.

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