A strong earthquake (magnitude 7.2) hit southern Peru, near the border with Bolivia. At the moment, no damages or injuries have been reported. The quake was recorded at 7.02 (14.02 Italian time) by the Institute of Geophysics of Peru (Igp), with its epicenter 20 kilometers north-east of Ayaviri, Melgar (province of Puno), and at a depth of 240 kilometers. Furthermore, according to the Igp, it was warned in various areas of southern Peru, where the population took to the streets fearing strong replicas of the phenomenon. So far, reports the radio RPP in Lima, no material damage or casualties were reported due to the earthquake.
The quake unleashed panic scenes in large southern central cities such as Cusco, Moquega, Tacna, Apurimac and Arequipa. “Up to now – Bárbara Cuadros, spokesman for the Center for National Emergency Operations (Coer) told the broadcaster – no significant damage to infrastructure or loss of life has been reported”. However, she added, “we already know that there have been some landslides and rockfalls, for example in Yura, at the entrance to Arequipa, and also in areas close to the airport”.
It must be remembered that Peru is located in the area known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, where approximately 85% of world seismic activity is recorded.
* News being updated