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CNN Sunday Morning

7.4 Magnitude Quake Strikes Peru

Aired June 24, 2001 - 07:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to go first this morning to Southern Peru where there's a frantic search right now for survivors of a major earthquake. At least 47 people are known dead and more than 450 people are injured. The mountain of Arequipa of Southern Peru was hit the hardest. Apartment buildings, homes, churches and businesses were toppled by the 7.9 magnitude quake. It's wintertime in Peru but frightened residents spent the night outside fearing that aftershocks would bring down more buildings.

The mayor or Arequipa says 70 percent of the city's homes are damaged. Two cargo planes with emergency food, blankets and medical supplies have been sent to the area. Although Arequipa took the worst blow, the quake spread its depth and destruction to smaller towns on the coast and near the border with Chile.

The earthquake struck at about 3:35 local time yesterday afternoon right off the coast of Southern Peru, as we said. And for the latest on the quake, journalist Claudia Cisneros joins on the phone from Lima.

Claudia, what can you tell us?

CLAUDIA CISNEROS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, hundreds of people in this southern part of Peru spent the night in public parks and stadiums, some because their homes were destroyed by the earthquake, some because they were fearful of the aftershocks. Twenty- six of them have been filled. It seems the 7.9 magnitude quake destroyed this part of Peru Saturday afternoon.

The death toll at this time is 46. And for injured people, they're counting more than 450 for the moment but it could still rise.

Dozens of homes are reportedly destroyed. Rescuers are still going through the rubble to look for survivors. Some of -- Arequipa is the second largest city. Historical buildings have been partially destroyed. We also know interim President Valentin Paniagua is in the disaster area since last night to assess, personally, the damage and to direct the aid.

PHILLIPS: Claudia, is this a popular place for tourists? Could there be Americans in this area and other surrounding areas where the quake hit?

CISNEROS: Well, Arequipa is the second largest city of Peru and also one of the most historical important cities. It's a very common point for tourists. We haven't heard of any international or foreigners injured but that doesn't mean that they're not. As soon as we get any information of this kind, of course, we'll get it to you.

PHILLIPS: What are the major needs right now, Claudia? I understand some cargo planes brought in some emergency food and blankets and medical supplies. Is there a major lack in any of these areas? Is more needed?

CISNEROS: Well, there is the local health centers and supply centers and civil defense centers. But definitely there hasn't enough for the quantity of the damage and the number of injured people. So they -- as you said, there's two cargo planes stocked with 22 tons of food and blankets and medicine going that way to help all of the affected people.

We also have to say that it's -- winter started on Friday here. So it's gotten pretty cold. And as I said, because of the aftershocks, many people have preferred to sleep in the cold outside their homes or what's left of them.

PHILLIPS: Claudia Cisneros, live from Lima, thank you for the latest on the earthquake that has hit Peru. We will continue to follow that story.

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