 |
 peru |
 |
Special for WSN by Hans Firbas Jr. The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, 167 kilometers to the south of the Peruvian capital, facing the coast of Pisco in the section of Ica. Both the proper capital of Ica as well as the towns of Chincha, Cañete and Paracas suffered the onslaughts of nature. Along with the land movement, the tide was greatly altered which caused floods in several areas of the Peruvian coast. Besides the total destruction of populated places, the earthquake damaged the “Reserva de Paracas”, a bay inhabited by diverse, protected marine animals. The Peruvian ecological authorities affirm that 60% of the wolves that usually rest in this zone have disappeared and it is likely that colonies of birds and penguins have also been damaged. Likewise, the famous rock formations known as “La Catedral” and “El Fraile”, large tourist attractions of Paracas, remain in ruins. Just like everyone else in the Peruvian capital, the surfing community has also been affected by the quake. The safety for the surfers has changed. The multitude of people that usually take over the beaches of Lima, in what is called the “Costa Verde”, have been affected by the tide change as well. The famous and mythical beach “La Herradura” displays several cracks in the nearby hill, putting the surfers at risk to possible cave-ins. On the other side, the southern beaches of Lima, typically the setting of national and international championships, have suffered changes in their resources; piers have been broken, among other aspects. Finally, it is worth mentioning that even though the surfing community has been disturbed, it has stayed active and attentively offered aid to the victims of the quake. Several surf groups and organizations like “Christian Surfers”, among others, have brought food, beverages, clothing and shelter to the neediest. |  
|
 |
 |