A major earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter scale struck January 13 off the coast of El Salvador, about 65 miles south-southeast of San Salvador.
Major damage is reported in many El Salvador towns and cities.
Representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross reported this morning more than 550 confirmed deaths from the quake and aftershocks that have stirred major mud and landslides in some areas. That death toll is expected to grow as more than 1,000 are still counted as missing. Almost 2,000 people are reported injured. Search and rescue operations continue in affected areas. Emergency response squads from the United States, Mexico, Spain and Canada have arrived in El Salvador to assist with the rescue efforts and mass care operations.