* Above: Peruvians camp out in the streets to keep safe from aftershocks.
A massive earthquake struck Wednesday night 25 miles under the ocean floor off the coast of Peru. The mayor of Pisco said 200 people were buried under rubble in a church that collapsed during Mass. The quake reportedly lasted two minutes. Check continuing updates at the major news outlets linked to the right. For news from Peru, see Radio Programas del Peru and Adonde. * Intersections will be updating this post throughout the day.
** UPDATE: There's a blog called Peruanos Unidos that begins its top post on the quake with a sense of steely devastation:
Where a house once stood, that house no longer exists. The families divide the work. Those who search for somewhere to live, and those who, among tears, search the rubble for their loved ones.
Link. Updates with video and images at NYT, NPR, Washington Post, and the blog ALT1040.
** ADD: The Pacific plates have been active this week. Today there was a small quake felt (again) in Los Angeles, near Chatsworth, again. More from Peru:
** ADD: LAT follows up with a story that says powerful aftershocks are rolling through Peru now, as survivors camp out, waiting for aid, and making attempts to communicate with relatives. Death toll has risen to more than 500.
** ADD: Check back "Peru earthquake" results at Google News for more. The Peruvian Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles is sure to have relief plans soon. My thoughts tonight are with our brothers and sisters in the great land of Peru and our Peruvian American friends here in California.