Peru's Earthquake Update

Updates:
Peru quake disaster area hit by powerful aftershock (Reuters): "Peruvian Rescue teams scrambled on Friday to find survivors in the disaster zone of a powerful earthquake that killed some 500 people and where an aftershock of 6.0 magnitude struck on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey and witnesses said."

Toll Climbs in Peru; Areas Lack Water and Power (the NY Times): "A day after a powerful earthquake devastated cities along Peru’s southern coast, government officials put the death toll at 437, with at least 17,000 people displaced and with wide areas without power, telephone service or road access on Thursday night." The quake has been revised upward again to 8.0.

Rescuers in Peru Struggle to Reach Trapped Quake Victims (VOA News): "Authorities in Peru say the death toll from Wednesday's devastating earthquake has risen to 510 people, while survivors cope with hundreds of aftershocks in the country's southern coastal region. President Alan Garcia declared a state of emergency, and offers of assistance are flowing in from the United States, several Latin American nations, the International Red Cross and the United Nations."

Hardest hit are Pisco, Chincha Alta, Ica and surrounding areas.

The magnitude of the quake has been revised to 7.9 from 7.5.The tsunami alert was canceled within hours of the quake, but there are unfortunately many casualties. Additional reports:

• Powerful 7.9 Magnitude Quake Rocks Peru (Fox News) - photos
• Powerful earthquake hits Peru (globeandmail): "A powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake shook Peru's coast near the capital, killing at least 135 people and injuring more than 1,300 others."
• Peru Quake Death Toll Rises to 337; Hundreds Injured (Update2) (Bloomberg) -"The death toll from Peru's worst earthquake in more than 30 years rose to 337 as rescue workers searched for survivors and medics treated hundreds of injured.

Additionally, the Peruvian newspapers have on the spot information. Check them out at Peru News.