Assaults and looting started to become prevalent on Friday in the Peruvian region of Ica, the area most affected by an earthquake that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, according to dpa. In Pisco, the city most affected by the quake, a crowd raided a pharmacy and took whatever they could find before Peruvian television cameras. Attackers defended their actions by saying they still have not received help. City residents said similar incidents were seen in several areas of Pisco, which already had severe crime problems before the tragedy. Freddy Ternero, mayor of the San Martin de Porres district in Lima, attempted to take aid to the affected areas on behalf of his constituency. But outside the city of Ica his truck and several others were attacked by some 300 people who wanted to take their loads, he told Peruvian television. There were also reports of robberies in rural areas that rescue teams had not yet reached, according to dpa.
