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Meanwhile, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is helping the people of Peru following the devastating earthquake. Please read:

Church Responds Immediately to Peru QuakeAugust 17, 2007 — News from the Church

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The Church is working closely with government leaders and other emergency response organizations to identify and meet urgent needs in Peru after a devastating 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck just off the coast on Wednesday evening, August 15, 2007.

The quake has claimed the lives of at least 510, and left more than 1,500 people injured. Seven Church members have been confirmed dead and more than 14 members are reported injured. All missionaries are reported safe. More than 70 member homes are among the thousands of homes destroyed by the earthquake. No Church buildings have been destroyed, but many have received damage.

Under the direction of the South America West Area Presidency, Church members immediately responded to those in need. Limited food was provided to four meetinghouses that are temporarily housing 600 to 700 Church members, relatives, and neighbors. The Area Presidency members have gone to the affected areas to provide support.

Small truckloads of food were sent to each meetinghouse location on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 6 a.m. The Church is also loading a 747 cargo plane at the Salt Lake International Airport with urgently needed items. The plane will fly directly into a military airport in the affected area. Items being sent include medical supplies, surgical instruments, family food boxes, hygiene kits, and tarps.

Working with Peru’s Civil Defense Agency, the Church also provided 10,000 blankets and other emergency supplies such as tents and basic camping equipment on Thursday.

The hardest hit areas were the cities of Ica and Pisco. Authorities in Pisco estimated that 70 percent of the city had been destroyed.

Rescue teams trying to get to Pisco, Ica, and other rural towns southwest of the capital, Lima, found roads broken up and power knocked out. Hospitals report the numbers of casualties are overwhelming.

The earthquake was centered 25 miles west-northwest of Chincha Alta, 90 miles south-southeast of Lima, and about 25 miles below the earth’s surface. The major quake prompted a tsunami warning, which was eventually canceled.

The earthquake was felt nearly 100 miles from its epicenter. Dozens of severe aftershocks continued into Thursday; most of them measured well above 5.0 and the strongest measured 6.3.

Visit Newsroom (http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=37671eac38474110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=9ae4111 for additional information.

This is Saundra now: I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I love my Church.