A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Peru on Sunday, causing tremors felt across the capital, Lima. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 11:35 a.m. local time (16:35 GMT), with its epicenter located 23 km (14 miles) southwest of Callao, a coastal city west of Lima.
The Peruvian presidency later reported a higher magnitude, assessing the tremor at 6.1, though no tsunami warning was issued.
Fatality and Injuries Reported
Police Colonel Ramiro Clauco told RPP radio that a 36-year-old man died in northern Lima while waiting outside his vehicle for a passenger. The Emergency Operations Centre confirmed that five individuals sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment. Infrastructure damage has been reported, including impacts on roads and educational institutions.
Widespread Impact in Lima
Hernando Tavera, Executive President of the Geophysical Institute of Peru, stated that all districts in Lima felt the earthquake. Local media outlets reported that the tremor led to the cancellation of a major football match scheduled to take place in the capital.
Peru’s Seismic Activity and Historic Earthquakes
Peru is situated along the Ring of Fire, a highly seismic zone encircling the Pacific Ocean known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country experiences over 100 detectable earthquakes annually.
The last major earthquake in Peru occurred in 2021, registering a magnitude of 7.5 in the Amazon region. That event left 12 people injured and destroyed more than 70 homes.
The most catastrophic earthquake in Peru’s history struck the Ancash region in 1970, triggering massive landslides that resulted in approximately 70,000 deaths.
