Earthquake in Peru today, Thursday, August 20: magnitude and epicenter according to latest reports

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake jolted central Peru on Thursday, sending tremors felt across several southern regions including Ica and Arequipa. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred around 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter situated 35 kilometers north of Coracora, a city in the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho department.

The Peruvian Geophysical Institute (IGP) provided a slightly higher magnitude reading of 7.2, noting a depth of 108 kilometers. The earthquake's epicenter was located at latitude -14.70 and longitude -73.78. Videos of the shaking circulated on social media in the minutes following the event.

Officials have reported no immediate damage or casualties. Hernando Tavera, head of the IGP, described the perception of the earthquake as "quite large," adding that people rushed into the streets in fear but that no critical incidents had been reported thus far. Luis Vasquez, head of Civil Defense, confirmed to local radio that "at the moment no type of damage is reported." The mayor of Parinacochas province also stated that no affectations occurred in the provincial capital.

Peru's Marina (Navy) has ruled out the possibility of a tsunami. The country lies within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area known for frequent seismic activity. A devastating magnitude 7.9 earthquake in 2007 primarily affected the Ica region, causing nearly 600 deaths.