A seismic event measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck the southern Andes Mountains of Peru, causing injuries to two individuals and substantial damage to residences, medical facilities, and educational institutions, as confirmed by authorities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake’s epicenter as 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho, situated in the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region, with a depth of 66 kilometers. The tremor, occurring at 1 p.m. local time, reverberated across various regions in southern Peru, reaching Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco, and even the capital city, Lima.
Civil Defence chief Luis Vasquez informed the press that two individuals sustained injuries while vacating their residences in Coracora, the principal city of the Parinacochas province. Additionally, authorities noted structural harm to 22 houses, six medical facilities, and a school in multiple districts spanning Ayacucho and Cusco, including Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari. Peru, being situated within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic occurrences.
The region faced a devastating earthquake in 2007, measuring 7.9 magnitude, in the Ica province, resulting in the tragic loss of nearly 600 lives.