A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.9 struck numerous cities in Peru on Wednesday evening, killing at least 540 so far. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit about 90 miles south of Peru at 6:40 p.m. Four more quakes followed with magnitudes ranging from 5.4 to 5.9.
In the coastal town of Ica, 165 miles south of Peru, 17 people died when a church collapsed. Medical assistance was described as non-existent. In Lima, the nation's capital, streets were flooded with thousands of panicked people as businesses were evacuated. The city shook for more than a minute.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami watch for Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Panama shortly after the violent quake. The alert was canceled two hours later.
The earthquake demolished homes, businesses and landmarks throughout Peru's coast. Several areas also lost power and phone service.
Comments
April Purcell commented, on August 21, 2007 at 7:40 p.m.:
The people that survived this matter, are brave and strong! You guys are strong harted and to the ones that lost thier loved ones, i just want to say i'm sorry for any cause. Just pray to the lord that you will survive this and that you will have your old life back one day. so yeah thats all i wanted to say. emotions are running through me know and i can no longer write. but just to let you know i will pray for you and your losses.