Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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August 18, 2007

Peru Hit by Another Aftershock as Relief Efforts Continue
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=18C94F4:A6F02AD83191E16044C19F73DFD4A22E9574F7DCC14957C0 Magnitude 5.9
aftershock occurred near coast of central Peru, more than 200
kilometers southeast of Lima





Residents embrace each other in front of a house destroyed by the
earthquake that shook southern Peru, in Pisco, 17 Aug 2007The U.S.
Geological Survey says another strong aftershock hit Peru Saturday, as
relief workers struggle to help the victims of Wednesday's earthquake
that left at least 510 people dead.

The magnitude 5.9 aftershock occurred near the coast of central Peru,
more than 200 kilometers southeast of the capital of Lima.

The South American nation has been struck by several aftershocks since
the magnitude-eight quake, which caused widespread damage and
destruction along its central coast. Some 1,500 people were injured,
and thousands left homeless and in desperate need of food and medical
attention. Mobs in quake-stricken areas have looted pharmacies,
markets and trucks carrying emergency supplies.

President Alan Garcia issued an appeal for calm on Friday. He says he
understands people's desperation but promised no one would die of
hunger or thirst.

Offers of assistance are flowing in from the United States, several
Latin American nations, the International Red Cross, Europe and the
United Nations.

U.S. President George Bush sent his condolences to the Peruvian
people. U.S. officials are also sending $100,000 in immediate
emergency aid and deploying disaster response personnel to Peru.

The Pentagon says two senior U.S. defense officials are headed to Peru
to assess aid the U.S. military might be able to offer the quake
victims.

Earlier, the U.S. military announced that a medical surgical team
based in Honduras will go to Peru to offer assistance. The 30-person
U.S. team will include a general surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurses and
medical technicians.

The U.S. military's hospital ship Comfort recently visited Peru as
part of a humanitarian tour, and is now berthed at Manta, Ecuador.
Pentagon officials say the vessel could return to Peru quickly if
authorities there request such assistance.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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