The 1970 Ancash earthquake occurred on 31 May off the coast of Peru in the Pacific Ocean at 15:23:29 local time. Combined with a resultant landslide, it is the most catastrophic natural disaster in the history of Peru. Due to the large amounts of snow and ice included in the landslide that caused an estimated 66,000-70,000 casualties, it is also considered to be the world's deadliest avalanche.
1970 Ancash earthquake
U.S. First Lady Pat Nixon led American aid efforts after the earthquake. She aided in taking relief supplies to earthquake victims (above) and visited children in hospitals (below).
Image: Pat Nixon in Peru Consuelo Velasco 1970
Ancash is a department and region in western Peru. It is bordered by the departments of La Libertad on the north, Huánuco and Pasco on the east, Lima on the south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Its capital is the city of Huaraz, and its largest city and port is Chimbote. The name of the region originates from the Quechua word anqash, from anqas ('blue') or from anka ('eagle').
Huascarán in the Huascaran National Park
Tawllirahu in Ancash at 5,885 meters
Chavín de Huantar
1970 Ancash earthquake