Thousands of Peruvians remain in temporary shelters [Reuters]

Residents of Pisco, Ica and Chincha, the three cities hit hardest by the earthquake, held strikes and demonstrations on Friday to demand faster and more efficient reconstruction.

The quake destroyed more than 40,000 homes on the southern coast and many residents are are still living in temporary shelters.

Alan Garcia, the Peruvian president, said his government invested $382 million in reconstruction, but only 850 homes have been rebuilt, according to Romulo Triveno, president of Ica province.

"Alan is a liar!" protesters shouted while banging pots and pans in Pisco, the hardest-hit city, 250km south of Lima.

They have complained that millions of dollars in reconstruction funds have never reached them, saying they have been diverted or gone missing.

'Unfair' criticism

Jose Navarro, 29, brought flowers to the graves of his daughter and wife, who was eight months pregnant when the quake struck.

"What can you do? You have to face reality." he said. "It's hard, but with the support of everyone, I have to move forward."

Garcia, whose free market policies have left him unpopular with the electorate, said on Tuesday Peruvians were being "unfair" in their criticisms of his response to the earthquake.

He also said people were being too demanding."It's okay to ask for help, but don't exaggerate."

Garcia also challenged anyone to provide evidence to back up allegations of corruption in the earthquake budget.

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