Geophysical Institute of Peru explains over 500 earthquakes registered this year and where they were felt most

Peru continues to experience significant seismic activity, registering 533 earthquakes between January 1 and August 7, 2026. This heightened activity is attributed to the country's position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its frequent seismic and volcanic events.

The National Seismological Center (Censis) of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) reported that the recorded earthquakes had magnitudes ranging from 3.5 to 5.7. The intensity of these tremors reached up to VII on the Modified Mercalli scale, which measures the effects of an earthquake on the surface, including perceived shaking and potential damage.

July emerged as the most seismically active month of the year so far, with 115 tremors recorded. May followed with 83 events, and June with 75. Regionally, Arequipa leads the count with 92 registered earthquakes between January and August, followed by Lima with 66 and Ica with 56.

While several regions experienced tremors, the most devastating seismic event occurred on the night of July 18 in the Junín region. A magnitude 5.4 earthquake, with its epicenter in the Chongos Bajo district, resulted in five fatalities, dozens of injuries, collapsed homes, and damage to public infrastructure, including power outages in several areas. The quake also affected health facilities, such as the El Carmen Regional Maternity and Children's Hospital and the Daniel Alcides Carrión Hospital. The IGP recorded several aftershocks following this main event, which reached intensities of VI and VII on the Modified Mercalli scale, explaining the severe damage to vulnerable structures.