Friday, November 28, 2014

Earthquake in the state of Cusco

 Saturday night between 9:30 and 10:00 pm we had a 5.1 earthquake in the state of Cusco.  We felt it here in the city long, but not very strong; Sandy and I stood under a beam  trying to decide if we would go get the babies.  The epicenter was in community call Misca, a 2 hr. drive from us.  The school is damaged.  100% of houses are inhabitable.  Eight people died, and four were injured.  In total 575 people were directly affected by the earthquake on Saturday.  

I (Albino) went to the community with ATEK (a partner organization of La Casa del Maestro) to see the damage and what the needs were. A man we spoke with said, "We lost everything we have… food, clothes, animals, house, money.  Our children do not have any school supplies.  It is hard for us; it is like starting all over new."  Currently. they are living in tents.  Those tents do nothing to protect against the cold in the altitude and protect little from the rains that are starting the rainy season. 

As I write now, it is raining and chilly.  I’m thankful for the roof over my head and the safety of my family.  I wonder what we can do to help.  Pray.  Send food and blankets.   What is the best and most effective way to lend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in this difficult situation?  They need immediate help now but in a month or two they will still be rebuilding their lives.  Others will have forgotten.  What can we, as a family, as La Casa, as ATEK, do to not forget?  (Contact us if you want to be a part of giving aid.)

I wonder what these families will do to rebuild.  Will they build new adobe houses and stay by their fields--their livelihood and only life they've known?  Will they migrate to the city and find employment?  Where do you go and what do you do when you have nothing but the clothes on your back? 

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