Photo courtesy of Anadolu
A powerful earthquake struck southern Peru on Thursday afternoon, sending tremors across several regions and as far as the capital, Lima.
The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at magnitude 6.7, while Peru’s Geophysical Institute reported a stronger magnitude of 7.2.
The quake occurred at around 1 p.m. local time at a depth of 108 kilometers, according to seismic monitoring agencies.
Peruvian authorities placed the epicenter about 35 kilometers north of Coracora in Parinacochas province, part of the Ayacucho region.
Despite the strength of the earthquake, authorities reported no immediate deaths or major structural damage in its aftermath.
Its relatively deep origin helped reduce the intensity of shaking at the surface, with areas near the epicenter experiencing light to moderate tremors.
Shaking was nevertheless reported across parts of southern and central Peru, including Lima. Authorities urged residents to remain alert and review evacuation plans and emergency supplies following the quake.
Peru is highly vulnerable to earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake devastated parts of the Ica region and killed nearly 600 people. (Anadolu)
