A powerful earthquake struck Peru’s southern Andes on Thursday, with the tremor measured at magnitude 6.7 by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and 7.2 by Peru’s Geophysical Institute (IGP).
The USGS said the earthquake struck at around 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho in the Ayacucho region. The quake occurred at a depth of about 66.7 kilometers, while the IGP estimated the depth at 108 kilometers.
The National Institute of Civil Defense said the earthquake was felt with moderate to strong intensity across several departments. Footage from local media showed rocks and soil tumbling down hillsides near Coracora, the closest major town to the epicenter.
Residents evacuated buildings and moved to safer areas. Despite the powerful shaking, authorities reported no immediate casualties or major damage. Peru’s Navy also confirmed there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake.
