The fierce earthquake that struck Peru three days ago continues to bring sorrow in the souls of thousands, officials announcing on Saturday that 496 people have been killed.

Peru’s President Alan Garcia visited the affected Ica region, where entire buildings crumbled on people, killing hundreds and trapping dozens more. The worst affected city was Pisco, a city that was very near the epicenter of the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that fatally struck on Wednesday.

Garcia expressed his concern that ongoing rescue operations could reveal more victims and the death toll would climb even more. He also ordered the deployment supplementary security forces in the calamity-struck region, where looting began to take unprecedented proportions.

“I do not want to take extreme measures, or declare a curfew,” Garcia said after dozens of desperate people attacked vehicles transporting supplies to the area.

Most of the people that resorted to these acts were left without a roof over their head by the powerful temblor and are still waiting for help from the government or international community.

Robberies took place in Pisco and Ica even if all police forces were sent on the streets to enforce law and order. Some regions were considered unsafe before the tragedy struck Peru’s southern Pacific coast, but the incidents multiplied with a staggering speed and security forces weren’t able to cope with the situation.

Different states and humanitarian agencies sent aid worth 40 million dollars until now, the United Nations contributing with 30 million dollars, Peruvian officials informed.

According to the Civil Defence, more than 30,000 buildings collapsed after a violent quake struck the central Peruvian coast Wednesday night. Powerful aftershocks wreaked havoc among the population, thousands running scared on the streets while buildings began shaking dangerously. An apocalyptic image that will continue to haunt people for years to come, as piles of rubble will dominate the landscape for a long period.

Hundreds of jolts rocked settlements left without basic utilities like electricity, gas or water in the Ica region. At least 85,000 persons are living in ad hoc shelters after their homes were turned into rubble as the cold season is coming.

Supplies continued to arrive from all over the globe, members of the International Federation of the Red Cross donating money or even materials to ease the suffering of Peruvians.

Medics from the United States will soon arrive in Peru along with medical supplies and two mobile clinics, as department spokesman Sean McCormack said.