A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Peru’s southern Andes region on Thursday afternoon. According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the seismic event occurred at approximately 1:00 PM local time (18:00 GMT), with its epicenter located roughly 38 kilometers (24 miles) northwest of the town of Upahuacho in the Parinacochas province of Ayacucho.
The tremor registered at a intermediate depth between 66 and 108 kilometers. Seismologists note that this depth helped dissipate a significant amount of seismic energy before it reached the surface, preventing catastrophic structural destruction. While the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) initially recorded the quake’s magnitude at 7.2, international agencies maintained a rating of 6.7.
Shaking was clearly felt across multiple departments in southern and central Peru, including Ayacucho, Ica, Arequipa, Cusco, and as far away as the capital city of Lima. Peruvian broadcast media showed images of rockslides along hillsides surrounding Coracora, the capital of Parinacochas province.
Local authorities and the National Institute of Civil Defense reported that residents in affected towns evacuated into the streets as a precaution. Preliminary assessment reports indicate minor injuries to a few individuals during emergency evacuations, along with localized structural cracks affecting over 20 homes, six schools, and several health centers in rural communities.
The Peruvian Navy immediately ruled out any tsunami risk along the Pacific coast. Peru remains highly prone to seismic activity due to its position on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” where subduction of the Nazca Tectonic Plate triggers frequent earthquakes. Emergency services continue monitoring the region for potential aftershocks.