Peru Earthquake: 6.7-Magnitude Quake Strikes as Tsunami Threat Ruled Out

A powerful earthquake struck southern Peru on Thursday, shaking parts of the country’s Andes region as authorities ruled out a tsunami threat and reported no immediate major damage.

Peru’s Geophysical Institute initially measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.2, while the U.S. Geological Survey later reported a magnitude of 6.7. The differing estimates placed the quake among the strongest seismic events to hit the region in recent months.

The earthquake struck at around 1 p.m. local time, or 18:00 GMT, according to the USGS. Its epicenter was located about 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho in the Parinacochas province of Peru’s Ayacucho region, at a depth of roughly 66 kilometers.

Peru Earthquake Felt Across Southern Regions

The tremor was felt across several parts of southern Peru, including the regions of Ica and Arequipa, according to reports.

Peru’s Geophysical Institute placed the epicenter about 35 kilometers north of Coracora and reported a deeper quake, highlighting the differences in the preliminary assessments released by seismic monitoring agencies.

Authorities continued to assess the affected areas, but there were no immediate reports of major casualties or significant structural damage following the earthquake.

Was There a Tsunami Warning After the Peru Earthquake?

Despite the strength of the earthquake, Peru’s Navy said there was no tsunami threat along the country’s coast.

That assessment is significant because powerful earthquakes in the region can raise immediate concerns about tsunami activity.

Why Does Peru Experience Powerful Earthquakes?

Peru lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major zone of seismic and volcanic activity that stretches around the Pacific Ocean.

The country has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past. A major earthquake in Peru’s Ica region in 2007 killed hundreds of people and caused widespread destruction.