The death toll from the powerful earthquake that hit Peru late on Wednesday has risen to 500 and the number of injuries to 1,610, the Peruvian Fire Service reported, cited by BBC.

More than 16,000 families left homeless after the largest quake that has stricken the country in more than three decades.

The 7.9-strong temblor hit about 145 kilometres south- southeast of the country's capital city of Lima, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The worst damage from the earthquake was in the coastal cities of Ica and Pisco, south of the capital Lima.

Hospitals and morgues in these regions have been overwhelmed, and the bodies of many victims that have been recovered from the rubble are lying on the streets.

Power supplies, telecommunications and road links have been severely disrupted in the stricken area. Nine highways in southern Peru have also been damaged.

The search for survivors continues. The government said helicopters and planes were taking emergency aid to affected areas, and injured people are being airlifted out.

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