Rescue workers in Peru are searching for survivors in the rubble of an earthquake that killed at least 450 people. In Miami, VOA's Brian Wagner reports the quake toppled buildings and homes south of the capital.

Injured Peruvians receive medical attention at hospital following earthquake, 16 Aug 2007

The quake was centered some 145 kilometers south of the capital, Lima, where several towns reported massive damage. Peruvian officials said several people were killed in the town of Pisco when a church roof collapsed during a religious service. Rescue workers said they feared survivors could be trapped in the rubble of the church or other buildings.

Peru's president, Alan Garcia, declared a state of emergency for affected areas in central Peru and he also warned of more aftershocks.

Mototaxi drives past a car covered with rubble in area hit by earthquake late Wednesday in Ica, some 275 km. southeast of Lima, 16 Aug 2007

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that central Peru has been hit by more than a dozen aftershocks of magnitude 4.5 or higher since the initial quake.

Some residents in the affected areas complained that relief aid was slow to come, including one woman in the town of Chincha.

She said all the houses fell down, and people have nowhere to sleep. She said no one came to help or even ask if residents were okay.

Man examines collapsed wall of building following earthquake in Lima, 16 Aug 2007

A U.S. military spokesman said the hospital ship Comfort visited Peru a few days earlier during a humanitarian tour of Latin America. He said the ship could leave Ecuador where it is now docked and return to Peru, if Peruvian officials request U.S. assistance.