Seventh-day Adventists are struggling with recovery and grief while assisting survivors after a magnitude-8 earthquake struck off the coast of Peru 90 miles southeast of the capital, Lima, on August 15.

The earthquake has killed more than 510 people and left more than 2.000 injured throughout the coastal region, according to reports issued by Peruvian Civil Defense authorities.

Adventist Church officials in the region said three church members are among the dead and that the earthquake destroyed some 400 church members' homes. Many Adventist schools and churches are also reported damaged. Five local Adventist churches in the affected region are lending shelter to families who lost their homes during the earthquake.

The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in Ica, a coastal province located 165 miles south of Lima, and the most heavily affected region with more than 17.000 homes and buildings demolished.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Peru has initiated a response to meet the most urgent needs of survivors in the earthquake-hit Ica province, including emergency medical care, water, food, tents and blankets. Adventist churches in the region are serving as supply collection and distribution centers.

ADRA, in cooperation with other relief agencies in Peru, will continue to assess the situation and meet the changing needs of survivors in the aftermath of the earthquake. Updates will be released as response efforts expand.