Huaráz

HuarázorHuarás both: wäräs´ [key], city (1993 pop. 44,037), capital of Huaráz prov. and Ancash dept., W central Peru. It is in a high valley at an altitude of 9,931 ft (3,027 m), and has a population that is mainly of indigenous descent. Huaráz is the center of an agricultural district raising grains, potatoes, and corn. Some minerals (silver, cinnabar, and coal) are mined.Huascaránpeak forms a superb backdrop to the city. In 1941 an avalanche of mud and water wiped out a large section of the city and killed some 6,000 people. In 1970 the city was struck by an earthquake that left nearly 10,000 dead.

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