HUARAZ

also spelled Huars, city, capital of Huaraz province, central Peru, on the Quilca River at its junction with the Santa River. It lies at 10,011 feet (3,052 m) above sea level in the scenic Callejn de Huaylas, against a backdrop of the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Founded upon remains of a pre-Columbian civilization, it is inhabited by highland Indians, noted for their colourful dress. In 1823 the liberator Simn Bolvar proclaimed it the Muy Generosa Ciudad de Huaraz (Very Generous City of Huaraz) in recognition of the aid given his troops during the struggle for independence from Spain. Huaraz is an agricultural centre handling primarily wheat, corn (maize), and potatoes. Silver, cinnabar, and coal are mined nearby. There is some industrial activity (weaving, brewing), and the city is linked to Lima (216 miles south) by road. In 1941 much of Huaraz was buried by an avalanche, and in May 1970 a devastating earthquake virtually leveled the entire city, killing about 10,000 residents. Reconstruction was carried out with national and international assistance. Pop. (1990 est.) 65,600.