Rescuers Struggle to Aid Hundreds of Peru Earthquake Victims

Authorities say hundreds of victims of Wednesday night's 7.9 magnitude quake are still trapped or stranded in port cities off the coast of central Peru. Roads destroyed by the quake have hampered rescue efforts.

The earthquake and several aftershocks injured more than 800 people. The quake lasted a total of two minutes and caused massive damage and mudslides across the country.

Many buildings collapsed or suffered structural damage including hospitals, which are now overrun with victims in dire need of treatment.

President Alan Garcia declared a state of emergency Thursday, prompting international relief efforts.

Pope Benedict XVI has called on churches and other Roman Catholic organizations to provide assistance.

The U.S.-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had issued a tsunami warning for the South and Central American Pacific coast in the nations of Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica following the quake, but later canceled it. - VOA News