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Last Updated: Thursday August 16 2007 18:34 GMT

Powerful earthquake rocks Peru

A man inspects damage after the earthquake in Peru

A huge earthquake has hit the coast of Peru in South America, killing at least 450 people and injuring hundreds more.

The quake was centred under the Pacific Ocean about 145km from the capital, Lima, and measured 7.9 on the Richter scale, which means it was very strong.

The coastal city of Ica was the worst hit area, with the quake bringing down buildings and cutting power supplies.

President Alan Garcia said Peru had been badly hit by the quake and declared a state of emergency in Ica.

In Lima, lots of people ran onto the streets in search of somewhere safe to go as the buildings around them shook violently during the tremors.

Lots of people slept on the streets because they were worried their homes might fall down and schools are being closed because the buildings may be unsafe.

Clean-up

Some coastal areas of Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia were evacuated after a tsunami alert was issued, but the warning was later withdrawn.

A tsunami is a series of large waves that can be triggered by earthquakes under the sea bed.

A clean-up operation is already under way, but experts have warned there could be more tremors over the next few days.

Map of the affected area



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