Peru earthquake latest: At least three people were injured and dozens of buildings were damaged after a powerful earthquake struck southern Peru, according to officials. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake at magnitude 6.7, while Peru’s Geophysical Institute recorded it at magnitude 7.2.
The earthquake struck on Thursday near the remote settlement of Aniso in the Ayacucho region, part of Peru’s mountainous Andes. The tremor was felt across wide areas of the country, including Lima, the capital.
Earthquake damages homes, schools and health facilities
Peru’s Defence Minister Rafael Belaunde said at least 22 homes and six schools were damaged following the earthquake.
The National Institute of Civil Defence also reported damage to healthcare facilities in Ayacucho and neighbouring Cusco. Despite the damage, medical services at the affected facilities remained operational.
Authorities also reported that approximately 9,000 properties lost electricity following the earthquake.
Emergency teams have been assessing damage and coordinating the response in affected communities.
Three people injured after powerful tremor
At least three people were reported injured in the earthquake. Officials said their injuries were not serious.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 13:00 local time (18:00 GMT) at a depth of around 100 kilometres (62 miles), according to USGS data.
Its epicentre was located roughly 31 kilometres (19 miles) northwest of Aniso, in a relatively remote section of the Andes.
The depth of the earthquake may have helped limit the extent of severe destruction despite the strength of the tremor.
Tremors felt as far away as Lima
The earthquake was felt across large parts of Peru, with reports of shaking reaching the capital, Lima, approximately 482 kilometres (300 miles) from the epicentre.
Residents in several areas reported feeling strong movement as buildings shook and people moved outside for safety.
Authorities continued monitoring the situation for additional damage and possible aftershocks.
Why Peru experiences frequent earthquakes
Peru is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most active earthquake and volcanic zones.
The country lies near the boundary between the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate. The movement and subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate generates frequent seismic activity along Peru’s western edge and throughout parts of the Andes.
As a result, earthquakes are a recurring natural hazard in the country.
South America has seen several major earthquakes recently
Thursday’s Peru earthquake comes after a series of significant seismic events elsewhere in South America.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, according to the report, causing widespread destruction and hundreds of deaths.
Venezuela was also struck by two powerful earthquakes on June 24, with magnitudes reported at 7.2 and 7.5. Local officials reported thousands of deaths from those disasters.
The recent sequence of major earthquakes has renewed attention on earthquake preparedness and emergency response across the region.
Authorities assess damage in affected regions
Emergency authorities in Peru are continuing to inspect buildings, roads, schools and other essential infrastructure following the earthquake.
The remote location of the epicentre presents additional challenges for emergency responders, particularly in mountainous areas where transportation and communications can be difficult.
Officials are expected to continue evaluating the extent of structural damage as more information becomes available.
For residents in affected areas, authorities are urging people to remain alert and follow instructions from emergency services.
Peru earthquake: Key facts
Magnitude: 6.7 according to USGS; 7.2 according to Peru’s Geophysical Institute
Location: Near Aniso, Ayacucho region, southern Peru
Depth: About 100 km (62 miles)
Injuries: At least three people
Homes damaged: At least 22
Schools damaged: At least six
Healthcare facilities affected: Facilities in Ayacucho and Cusco
Power disruption: About 9,000 properties
Tremors felt: Including in Lima
What happens next?
Peruvian authorities are expected to continue damage assessments while monitoring for aftershocks and further disruptions.
Although initial reports indicate that the injuries were not serious and essential health services remained operational, officials will need to determine whether additional buildings or infrastructure have been affected.
The earthquake is another reminder of the seismic risks faced by communities across Peru and the wider South American region.
.jfif)
0 Comments