Anecdotes on Resuscitation Potentials Following the Earthquake of 1970 in Peru

Abstract

Data on resuscitation potentials immediately following major earthquakes are lacking. Published reports have been unrevealing. Retrospective interviews of surviving eyewit esses might be more revealing. The epicenter of the last major Peruvian earthquake of May 30, 1970, was off the coast, but the damage included most of central Peru including the Andean Range. A total of 80,000 people were killed, including the entire population of Yungay (25,000), buried alive by several m of an ice-mud-rock avalanche which broke off Mt. Huascaran (22,000ft.). There, resuscitation potential was zero. In nearby Huaras (pop. 30,000, alt. 12,000 ft.), 15,000 died, 90% of houses were destroyed. Interviews with lay survivors gave unclear reports.