On Thursday, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Andes of Peru, resulting in injuries to at least two individuals and causing damage to residences, medical facilities, and educational institutions, as reported by officials.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor hit at 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho, within the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region. The quake was recorded at a depth of 66 kilometers.
The seismic event was felt across various areas in southern Peru, including Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, and Cusco, as well as in the capital city, Lima.
Luis Vasquez, the head of Civil Defence, informed the media that two individuals sustained injuries while leaving their homes during the quake in Coracora, the provincial capital of Parinacochas.
Officials also indicated that 22 homes, six health centres, and a school were damaged in various districts of Ayacucho and Cusco, including the towns of Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari. (U.S. Geological Survey)
Officials also indicated that 22 homes, six health centres, and a school were damaged in various districts of Ayacucho and Cusco, including the towns of Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari.
Peru frequently experiences earthquakes, as it lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for its seismic activity.
In 2007, a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in the Ica region resulted in nearly 600 fatalities.