- An earthquake measuring 7.9º on the Richter Scale struck the Ica Region at 6:40 P.M. yesterday. Ica is on the central coast of Peru, 300 kilometers south of Lima.

While the earthquake was felt throughout the whole of Peru, damage was centered in the Ica Region. The port city of Pisco, the town of Cañete, and other, smaller communities in the valleys along the Peruvian coastline south of Lima have recorded the greatest amount of damage as a consequence of the earthquake.

The larger southern cities of Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa also felt the earthquake, although there has been no recorded damage to the population or tourists. These three are incredibly active tourist destinations, and the only direct affect the earthquake had was to delay flights last night.

Earthquake damage to and the need to prioritize assistance flowing south to the most affected areas has forced the government to restrict traffic onPan American Highway South, main artery connecting Lima with Ica.

The President of Peru, Alan Garcia, federal and local government officials, and representatives of the Civil Defense Institute (INCEDI) have begun an immediate assistance plan for the affected areas.

As has been reported by the press up to the moment, around 380 people are confirmed dead and more than 1,500 are injured, mainly in the port city of Pisco and in the ChinchaValley, the most densely populated areas close to the epicenter, which lies 60 kilometers off the coast of central Peru.

In spite of the aftershocks, most being unfelt by the population, Lima is found in a state of relative normalcy, yet people are still on the alert in the event of any larger tremors. The Jorge Chavez International Airport is open for business as usual for all domestic and international flights.

The Peruvian government wishes to express its gratitude to the immediate response of solidarity the country has received from different areas from around the world. Similarly, it wishes to communicate that any assistance people would like to send to Peru will be channeled through its consulates and embassies.