Prime Minister Mercedes Araoz affirmed Peruvian State remained attentive and at the service of citizens after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Arequipa region early Sunday.
The aim was to assist those affected and prevent families from spending the night in the open air.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN), Araoz highlighted the quick response from several ministries.
"The Peruvian
State has been attentive, at the service of the population, and will continue to be so in coordination with Arequipa Region Governor Yamila Osorio and mayors of affected towns," she was quoted as saying.
According to the senior official, the Government declared a state of emergency in the affected area to take swift action and repair the damage caused by the seismic event.
She said the reconstruction cost estimate is still under review but will be significantly lower than that of the process in Peru's northern regions.
So far, the strong earthquake has left one dead, 104 injured and several roads damaged.
According to Peru's Geophysical Institute (IGP), the quake struck the coast of Arequipa Sunday at 4:18 AM.
The epicenter was 56 km south of Lomas town in Arequipa at a depth of 48 km.
(END) JCC/CCR/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/15/2018