In transit to the southern province of Ayachucho, I stopped for several hours to tour the coastal city of Pisco. Here is part of the region of the renowned national drink Pisco.
Here also is the epicenter of the devistating 7.9 earthquake which shook this city to the core.
Above is the picture of the former Cathedral de San Clemente as it stands today. There is a large void, in so many ways. During the three-minute quake of August 17, 2007; the church was packed with people observing evening mass.
.
Overall, it is estimated 497 people perished in this town. Of those, over three-hundred, a lot of them children preparing for Cathechism, perished when the cathedral´s walls and ceiling, buried them.
I walked the grounds of this tragic site. Imagining how it all went down. I walked to the standing altar, now covered with a huge tent, I could only shake my head in disbelief.
I talked with several of the residents, who said hardly anything is being done. The banks are almost rebuilt. Yet, one small business man said that he´s requested a pre-fabricated living module for months. Some lucky ones got one, and those who need it desperatedly, have not. He has several young children, and they all live in his business establishment.
This is disconcerting do to the international aid which poured post this calamity in the vicinity of 200 millions dollars, and this man has yet to call a place home.
My buddy, the literature professor which happens to be an athiest, thought this was a bit ironic that the majority of the faithful died during mass. His view presented with a sardonic smile.
I was stumped as to what to say for a moment. The only thought that came to mind was that this world just don´t make no sense sometimes, and a desire to punch his face.
There are posts for volunteers check out: http://www.burnerswithoutborders.org/
I walked the grounds of this tragic site. Imagining how it all went down. I walked to the standing altar, now covered with a huge tent, I could only shake my head in disbelief.
I talked with several of the residents, who said hardly anything is being done. The banks are almost rebuilt. Yet, one small business man said that he´s requested a pre-fabricated living module for months. Some lucky ones got one, and those who need it desperatedly, have not. He has several young children, and they all live in his business establishment.
This is disconcerting do to the international aid which poured post this calamity in the vicinity of 200 millions dollars, and this man has yet to call a place home.
My buddy, the literature professor which happens to be an athiest, thought this was a bit ironic that the majority of the faithful died during mass. His view presented with a sardonic smile.
I was stumped as to what to say for a moment. The only thought that came to mind was that this world just don´t make no sense sometimes, and a desire to punch his face.
There are posts for volunteers check out: http://www.burnerswithoutborders.org/
email: bwbperu@gmail.com
