Magnitude 6.7 earthquake shakes Peru's southern Andes, USGS says

Peru's southern Andes Mountains were shaken by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake on Thursday, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event occurred at 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 38 kilometers (24 miles) northwest of Upahuacho, a city within the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region. The earthquake had a reported depth of 66.7 kilometers.

The tremor was felt across multiple regions in southern Peru, including Ica and Arequipa. Despite the significant magnitude, there were no immediate reports of damage resulting from the earthquake. This region of Peru is part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area characterized by frequent seismic activity, making earthquakes a common occurrence.

Historically, Peru has experienced devastating seismic events. In 2007, a powerful magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the Ica region, causing widespread destruction and resulting in nearly 600 fatalities. The frequency of earthquakes in Peru underscores the importance of preparedness and robust infrastructure in seismically active zones.