Peru Earthquake - Reconstruction

The Peru CARE Huancavelica Reconstruction project which was funded in the wake of Peru’s 2007 earthquake exemplified transitional post-disaster programming that bridged relief and long-term development. End of project results include: 247 families with access to water safe for human consumption (92.2% of target) and 442 families had rebuilt or repaired houses so that they are safer (including more resistant to earthquakes) and healthier. The project trained 1036 families to build their own earthquake resistant homes (136.3% of target and a key factor of sustainability). The project achieved 100% of its training targets related to disaster risk reduction which included teaching over 400 children on how to prepare for a natural disaster. The project also rebuilt or repaired 3 classrooms 2 health units and 5 “Maternal Houses” which are centers that provide pre-natal care and education for expectant mothers in the final weeks of their pregnancy and for their small children. Overall of the 1100 households that took part in the project the average rise in income from agricultural activity equalled 48% during the time period of the project and contributed to a 25% decrease in the poverty rate among the households that participated.