Magnitude 4.2 aftershock shakes Peru region hit by 7.2 earthquake

A magnitude 4.2 aftershock rattled the Ayacucho region in southern Peru on Thursday, occurring approximately three and a half hours after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the same area. The seismic activity continues to affect a region already dealing with the aftermath of the initial tremor.

The Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) reported that the aftershock occurred at 4:30 PM local time, with its epicenter located 28 kilometers north of the town of Coracora in Ayacucho. Notably, this aftershock shared the same depth of 108 kilometers as the earlier, larger earthquake.

The initial 7.2 magnitude earthquake, which hit at 1:00 PM local time, resulted in two people being affected and caused damage to several homes and infrastructure. According to the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci), no severe consequences have been reported up to this point. Officials attribute the limited damage from the initial quake to its significant depth, which lessened its surface impact.

Authorities, including Indeci and the IGP, are maintaining a close watch on the situation. They are continuously monitoring seismic activity and gathering information from the affected zones. The focus remains on providing verified updates to the public and ensuring that response efforts are coordinated effectively in the wake of these seismic events.