SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
in Peru are supplying aid to victims of Saturday's earthquake that rocked
Arequipa, Moquegua, Tacna and surrounding areas.
Approximately 330,000 members of the Church live in Peru, forming some 840
congregations. Church leaders in the affected areas are presently using
available resources to respond to the needs of earthquake victims.
Water, food, blankets and tents are being distributed to Church members and
other victims. These relief supplies are being purchased locally using fast
offering funds of the Church.
The Church'fs area presidency responsible for that part of South America is
assessing the need for further assistance. The assessment will help determine
what additional aid will be provided.
All missionaries are reported safe. One death among Church members occurred
when a wall fell on a child. Two other Church members suffered serious injuries
in the quake.
Damage to member homes is still being assessed. Early reports indicate some
Church meetinghouses have been damaged.
Where it is safe to do so, Church meetinghouses are being used as emergency
shelters for many left homeless by Saturday's disaster.
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