The situation is the area of Peru affected by Wednesday's earthquake is worsening with much of the emergency aid still on its way.
Local hospitals are being overwhelmed by casualties with at least 500 people are thought to have been killed.
Peru's President, Alana Garcia, said all was being done to help survivors, but that looting would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced it is doubling its emergency aid to quake-hit Peru to €2m to help 50,000 of those worst affected.
President McAleese has sent a message of condolence to the President of Peru, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland.
