Peruvian President Alan Garcia Thursday called on all Peruvians to show solidarity with their compatriots that are suffering the results of Wednesday's strong earthquake in the southern Peru department of Ica.
"We all have to give something, especially Lima residents, so that citizens in Pisco, Ica and Chincha and other areas hit in the quake can feel their compatriots' solidarity," Garcia said.
He criticized some business people in the areas hit by the quake for raising the prices of emergency products including candles and flares.
The government will launch a support program which includes the opening of a reception center for donations in Lima's National Stadium.
The 7.7-degree Richter quake killed 437 people, and left at least 1,300 people injured and thousands homeless.
Garcia is touring Pisco, a city 240 km south of Lima, to coordinate the work of his cabinet and local authorities in supporting the worst-hit areas.
Also on Thursday, the government declared a 3-day national mourning which lasts from Aug. 16 to 18.
The national flag will fly at half mast at public buildings, military facilities, police stations and Peru's overseas diplomatic buildings.
Source: Xinhua
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