A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck the southern Andes Mountains in Peru, causing injuries to two individuals and significant damage to homes, health facilities, and schools, as confirmed by authorities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho city in the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region, at a depth of 66 kilometers.
The seismic event was felt across various regions in southern Peru, including Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco, and even in Lima, the capital city. Luis Vasquez, the Civil Defence chief, informed the media that two individuals sustained injuries while evacuating their residences in Coracora, the provincial capital of Parinacochas.
Authorities mentioned that 22 homes, six health centers, and a school suffered damages in multiple districts of Ayacucho and Cusco, encompassing Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari. Peru experiences frequent seismic activities due to its location within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for elevated seismicity.
Notably, in 2007, a devastating magnitude 7.9 earthquake in the Ica region resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 600 lives.