iglesia-de-pisco.jpgGerardo, our permanent contact in the Center for Vincentian Animation writes:The epicenter of the earthquake was in the sea off Pisco; it was felt very strongly as far as Lima. It is said that 70% of the town of Pisco has been destroyed. The Church of San Clemente (C.M.) collapsed during the Mass with 300 persons participating. The confreres are safe. Father Emilio has some bruises on his arm, but two Daughters of Charity, Sister Antonieta and Sister Elizabeth, are buried in the rubble and we are hoping for a miracle that they will be found alive as other persons who made it out. In Ica, all the confreres are well and safe. In Chincha too they are all well, including Father Rubén, who was visiting them. There are at least 510 dead, 85,000 victims and almost 17,000 houses destroyed by the earthquake.
The localities affected are without water and light and aid is arriving slowly by air and sea, because of serious damage to the roads. There are 1500 injured. If there is any other news we will report it.

More information from Peru:
Photographie

Videos from Pisco
The experience of Sister Elvira who escaped from the destruction of San Clemente