Peru Earthquake: An earthquake of 6.7 magnitude shook people in the southern Andes mountain region of Peru on Thursday. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at around 1 pm local time. Its epicenter was about 38 kilometers northwest of the city of Upahuacho in the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region. The depth of the earthquake is said to be 66.7 kilometers.
The tremors of the earthquake were felt far away in the southern parts of Peru. People also felt the tremors in the Ica and Arequipa regions. According to initial information, there has been no news of large-scale loss of life or property. However, some reports say that two people were injured and some buildings were damaged.
There have also been reports of damage to some schools, houses and hospitals, but this has not been officially confirmed by the authorities yet. No tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake.
Big loss averted due to greater depth?
The epicenter of the earthquake was at a depth of 66.7 kilometers underground. According to experts, due to the greater depth of the earthquake, its impact on the surface may be limited. This is believed to be the reason why there is no information about large scale destruction in the initial reports.
Peru falls in the ‘Ring of Fire’ region spread around the Pacific Ocean. This is a horseshoe-shaped geological area about 40 thousand kilometers long, where seismic activities keep happening continuously. About 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur in this region and about 75 percent of active volcanoes are present here.
Peru has seen earthquake devastation before too
The Nazca Plate in Peru is sinking beneath the South American Plate. This process is called subduction. Due to this movement of plates, earthquakes occur here and the formation of the Andes mountain range is also related to this geological process.
Peru has seen devastation from major earthquakes before. In 2007, about 600 people died in a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in the Ica region. In such a situation, even after the latest earthquake of 6.7 magnitude, officials are keeping an eye on the situation.