LIMA, Peru — A magnitude 7.2 earthquake shook the southern coast of Peru early Friday. Authorities say there are no immediate reports of casualties.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at 12:36 a.m. (0536 GMT). The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, some 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of the district of Atiquipa, in the province of Caravelí. That is some 380 miles south of the capital, Lima, near the borders with Chile and Bolivia. The depth was 17 miles (28 kilometers).
The earthquake was felt in the nearby regions of Ayacucho, Ica, and the capital, local media reported. Eder Allca, the mayor of the district of Sancos, in the Ayacucho region, told the local radio station RPP that a road in his district suffered rock slides that left several localities cut off.
The Hydrography and Navigation Directorate of the Peruvian Navy reported that the seismic event generated a tsunami alert along the Peruvian coast. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said any threat of a tsunami had already passed.
Earthquakes are frequent in Peru, as the country is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Southern Peru was hit by a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and leaving residents shaken. The earthquake struck at a depth of 39 kilometers near the town of Acari in the Arequipa region, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The earthquake was felt across a large area of southern Peru, including in the cities of Arequipa and Tacna. Buildings swayed and people ran out into the streets as the ground shook violently for several seconds. There were reports of power outages and landslides in some areas, but no immediate reports of casualties.
The region is no stranger to earthquakes, as Peru sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 2007, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck the central coast of Peru, killing more than 500 people and causing widespread destruction.
Authorities in Peru are now assessing the damage caused by the recent earthquake and working to ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas. The Peruvian government has activated emergency response teams and is coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance to those in need.
Earthquakes can be devastating events that cause widespread destruction and loss of life. It is important for residents in earthquake-prone areas to be prepared and have an emergency plan in place. This includes knowing how to safely evacuate buildings during an earthquake, having emergency supplies on hand, and staying informed about potential risks.
As the people of southern Peru begin to recover from this latest earthquake, it is important for communities to come together and support one another. Natural disasters can be traumatic events, but they also have a way of bringing people together and highlighting the resilience of human spirit. Our thoughts are with the people of southern Peru as they navigate this challenging time.
