ABSTRACT
The impact of the 1970 earthquake that stunned Peruvians and the international community continues to influence local affairs even as memories of the disaster fade. One of the important early earthquake impacts affected Peru’s national plans and international political arenas. In General Juan Velasco’s “Revolutionary Government of the Armed Forces”, 1968–1975, the scale of military involvement in civilian activities from the capital to the local level had increased dramatically through its many new programs. The disaster, however, interrupted several of them as personnel were reassigned to confront emergency needs. Foreign participation in recovery produced several firsts in Peruvian societal experience. As nations responded to their needs, tons of clothing, blankets, tents and exotic housing were distributed by various non government organizations to communities, families, and individuals. The earthquake also led to the sudden appearance of many strangers to the area, including dozens of “Captains,” “Lieutenants,” “experts,” “engineers” and “authorities.”
