One killed, scores missing in powerful 7.1 magnitude quake in Peru

A strong magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the coast of southern Peru on Sunday, leaving one dead and several dozen injured while causing homes and roads to collapse.

Authorities walked back earlier statements that a second person had died and 17 people were missing in a mine, signs that the human toll of the quake may not be as drastic as previously feared.

The quake hit offshore at a depth of around 36km (22.4 miles), the US Geological Survey said. The epicentre was in the Pacific Ocean 40km from the town of Acari.

Arequipa Governor Yamila Osorio said on Twitter that a 55-year-old man died in the town of Yauca after being crushed by rock. Jorge Chavez, chief of Peru’s Civil Defense Institute, told local radio station RPP that 65 people were injured but withdrew his earlier statement that a second person had died in the town of Bella Union.

“The victim reportedly found in Bella Union has not been confirmed,” Chavez said. “Officially, we only have one death.”

Chavez said damage to roads was impeding help from arriving to the most-affected zones, which are mainly rural and remote. Aid workers and supplies would be flown in from nearby cities, he added.

On Twitter, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said he would travel to the towns of Acari and Chala “to verify the magnitude of the damages and send the corresponding humanitarian aid.”

Health Minister Abel Salinas Rivas told RPP that rescuers spoke with representatives of the informal Estrella mine and confirmed that no one was missing from there. Rivas had said earlier that 17 people were missing after the mine east of Chala suffered damages following the quake.