Many thanks to those of you who have already very kindly donated to our Earthquake Appeal, which we set up soon after the devastating 7.9 strong earthquake hit Southern Peru on 15 th August. The effects of the earthquake were catastrophic, with more than 500 people losing their lives, 60,000 homes destroyed and an estimated 17,000 people displaced from their homes. Closest to the epicentre was the coastal province of Ica, where in many of the hardest hit areas, it is estimated that over 80% of housing was destroyed. The beautiful natural attractions of the Paracas National Park and the Ballestas Islands were also badly hit, including the iconic ‘Cathedral' rock formation in the Park.

Given the sheer scale of the disaster, after much consideration we decided to concentrate on helping the workers of Hacienda Arona in the village of Cañete, one and a half hours south of Lima. Built in the 1550s, this Colonial working estate which Aracari clients often visit, is home to many and suffered appalling damage with the workers accommodation completely destroyed, and the beautiful main house suffering extensive damage with only one corner bedroom left habitable.

Fortuitously, this is owner Ricardo Alayza's bedroom so he can continue living there while supervising the reconstruction efforts. Given the remote location, it is the workers themselves who have clubbed together without official help to build a temporary ‘ranchito', accommodation on the soccer field and they are working on providing a direct supply of water and electricity for these temporary houses. The efforts thus far have been funded by donations from friends who have also donated clothing and medical supplies. Thanks to you, Aracari has sent $1,250 so far which is going to be spent on reed mats to help insulate the ceilings of the temporary houses, and much needed separate baths and showers for men and women.

Looking to the future, some professors from the Faculty of Architecture at the Universidad Ricardo Palma as helping to design new permanent ranch houses, but they desperately need more funds to make these plans a reality.

If you would like to contribute to the Earthquake Appeal, please contact us.