The moment when a massive earthquake, which registered 7.7 on the Richter scale, devastated much of central Peru, killing an estimated 70,000 people. About half of the 30, 000 inhabitants of Huaraz died and 90% of the buildings went down.
The day is still commemorated in Huaraz and especially in the town of Yungay, 58 km north, which in a few seconds was completely whiped out by an avalanche following the quake.
At this moment every year the churches fill up and the sirens cry in the Callejon the Huaylas.
(foto's by Chico Minaya)