A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Peru’s southern Andes on Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), sending tremors across several parts of the region. The earthquake was recorded in the afternoon and was strong enough to be felt in areas well beyond its epicentre. Despite the strength of the earthquake, there were no immediate reports of deaths, injuries or significant damage following the tremor. Authorities and local residents remained alert as assessments continued in affected areas.

According to the USGS, the earthquake occurred at approximately 1 p.m. local time, or 18:00 GMT. Its epicentre was located 38 kilometres (24 miles) northwest of the city of Upahuacho, in Parinacochas province in the Ayacucho region. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 66.7 kilometres. The depth of the tremor means the strongest effects can vary considerably from one location to another, with shaking potentially being experienced across a wider area.

The earthquake was felt in multiple regions of southern Peru, including Ica and Arequipa. Reports of tremors in areas farther from the epicentre highlighted the regional reach of the seismic event. While no immediate damage was reported, authorities typically assess roads, buildings, bridges and other infrastructure after a strong earthquake to determine whether the shaking has caused structural or other problems. Initial reports can also change as officials receive information from remote or affected communities.

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Peru is one of the countries most exposed to seismic activity because of its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a broad zone surrounding much of the Pacific Ocean that is associated with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country lies near the boundary of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, where the movement of the plates generates significant seismic activity. As a result, earthquakes of varying magnitudes occur regularly in Peru, although the level of damage depends on factors such as magnitude, depth, distance from populated areas and the strength of local infrastructure.

The latest earthquake also comes against the backdrop of Peru’s history of destructive seismic events. In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the Ica region, killing nearly 600 people and causing extensive destruction. That disaster remains one of the country’s most significant recent earthquakes and demonstrated the potential consequences of powerful tremors in densely populated or vulnerable areas. Earthquake preparedness and monitoring therefore remain important in Peru, particularly in regions that regularly experience seismic activity.

The magnitude 6.7 earthquake recorded on Thursday was significantly weaker than the 2007 Ica earthquake, but it was still a strong seismic event capable of being felt across a broad area. The absence of immediate reports of major damage or casualties provided some reassurance, although post-earthquake assessments can take time, particularly in mountainous and remote areas. Officials and residents in southern Peru remained watchful for possible aftershocks while authorities continued to evaluate the impact of the earthquake.

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