Living in Peru : your everyday companion

UPDATE – 337 killed and 1350 left injured in Peru

The 7.9-magnitude earthquake centered off Peru's coast killed at least 337 people and left another 1,350 hurt, according to the nation's Health Ministry.

The two-minute quake, which struck Wednesday evening and was followed by a tiny, 1-foot tsunami and strong aftershocks that sent people running into the streets.

President Alan Garcia, said the worst destruction appeared to be in Canete, Chincha and Ica, where he declared a state of emergency.

"This has been a most terrifying experience," said Niels Houg Hansen to Danish TV2 from his home in Lima. "It was extremely long. ... Never in my life had I experienced this long an earthquake."

http://filer.livinginperu.com/news/img/000039763_1.jpg400268

From Costa Verde, Lima's coastline, where falling rocks and the ocean stopped traffic for hours.

© Andina

The government has closed schools, said Labor Minister Susana Pinilla Cisneros, who announced that Lima's Labor Ministry and other public buildings had sustained damage.

The shaking broke windows in Lima and interrupted mobile phone service, which still is experiencing many problems.

Residents of inland towns like Cusco felt the earthquake strongly, and it was also felt in cities near the coast and the mountains.

The coastal town of Pisco, about 160 miles (258 kilometers) south of Lima, appeared to be the hardest-hit, and electricity was out in the town, said Gen. Luis Palomino, head of the Peru's national civil defense institute. He said he could not confirm any deaths.

The quake struck at 6:41 p.m. (7:41 p.m. ET) and was centered 25 miles (40 kilometers) west-northwest of Chincha Alta and 90 miles (145 kilometers) south-southeast of Lima, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was 25 miles (40 kilometers) below the Earth's surface.

More than 11 smaller earthquakes occurred in the hours following the original temblor -- most a few miles from its epicenter, but some also in central Peru. Their magnitudes ranged from 5.0 to 6.3.

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# Juan Blake says :
16 August, 2007 [ 09:57 ]

There are reports that stranded people are being held up by bandits south of Lima on the Pan American. Dirty no good rotten ba--tards.

# snoopy says :
16 August, 2007 [ 10:07 ]

Yes that’s true, even yesterday In most affected areas there were pillages in many places in callao and mostly in the southern region(chincha, ica, cañete), a prison in chicha collpased escaping 600 convicts, police reinforcements has headed to this town to take care of the situation.

# John says :
16 August, 2007 [ 11:12 ]

I have been in contact with the United States Southern Command Center in Florida. I was told by a public affairs officer that the USNS Hospital Ship Comfort which just left Peru days ago is in Equador and is standing by for a possible return to Peru to provide medical aid. In addition JTF Bravo located in Honduras is also standing by. I was told that the only thing keeping this aid from coming to Peru is a formal request for these services. Please someone in the Peruvian government request this aid. It is there just waiting. The U.S. does not want to coming charging into your country without a request. Just request it. 

# Kyle says :
16 August, 2007 [ 12:45 ]

A lot of these poor people are trying to reach their loved ones, & others are trying too reach Ica to help as well. I hope these scumbag robbers are caught. Then the victims should be able to tie these a--holes up against a post, and then beat them with a steel flex rod about 3/8" in diameter. Let them start at the knee caps, then the elbows & take it from there. I know, I'm a sick puppy. But I hate scumbag crooks that take advantage of the less fortunate.

# Samantha Loaiza says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:02 ]

Is there anyone who has any information about Surco Peru? My husbands family is from there and we can not get a hold of them....so if anyone knows if there was any damange or deaths anyhting please e mail me thank you

# SLG says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:17 ]

Samantha - I heard from some friends who live in Surco, everything is fine there.  Phones and electricity were working last I heard.  God bless  and protect the Peruvian peolple.  Our prayers and thoughts here in the US are with you.

# Chela says :
16 August, 2007 [ 15:59 ]

Does anyone know of any relief from non-military in the US that's going that way?  I'd love to help, I'm a firefighter/EMT and my family is from Peru and I want nothing more to go and help, but don't know of any organizations that are planning on going right now.

Thanks!

# arlene antonio says :
19 August, 2007 [ 11:29 ]

is there any chance i'll be able to see or get the list of names of survivors and those who didn't? i just want to know if my friend is alright and years have passed the last time i talked with him. anyway, his name is gilberto vasquez pisco ... if by any chance you know him ... pls tell him i'm praying he's fine as well as his families. thank you. God bless ... -- (philippines)

# Alfredo says :
20 August, 2007 [ 18:07 ]

This would be an incredible reconstruction period for Peru.  Lots of work for everyone and the possibility to build a modern infrastructure in that area.  I know i'm dreaming, but hey it's not impossible.

Tragedy to triumph. 

# William Wainscott says :
23 September, 2007 [ 06:49 ]

I am interested in further information regarding the meteorite which landed in Peru, sending some 300 plus people to the hospital with nausea and vomiting. There has been no further news reports in the past few days. Thanks.

# david says :
31 October, 2007 [ 15:43 ]

These are my breaking news

http://www.txtapic.com/breaking_news

The best breaking news ever !!!!

# javier says :
13 July, 2008 [ 03:10 ]

I feel sad so many have lost thier lives. My condolences to the families who have lost thiers. This truly is a sad tragic day.