A powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake shook Peru's coast near the capital, killing at least 337 people and injuring more 827 others, the Civil Defense said early Thursday.Civil Defense Commander Aristides Mussio released the figures on Peru's state television station, saying one person was killed in Lima and 336 in the region of Ica.
The Civil Defense death toll of 337 first appeared on its website, but the organization's spokesman, Dario Ariola, refused to confirm the figure, which was much higher than the numbers provided by the health minister. But minutes later Mussio appeared on television to announce the new death toll.
Deputy Health Minister Jose Calderon called the situation in Ica "dramatic."
Read More
