Peru earthquake: Ayacucho quake injures two, damages homes

A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake jolted the Andean region of Ayacucho in southern Peru on Thursday, leaving at least two people injured and causing damage to homes, health centers, and educational facilities. The tremor occurred at 1:00 PM local time, with its epicenter located 35 kilometers north of Coracora in the Parinacochas province.

The Institute of Geophysical Peru (IGP) reported the quake at a depth of 108 kilometers, with an intensity of III-IV in Coracora. The U.S. Geological Survey measured a magnitude of 6.7, a discrepancy attributed to differing data and methodologies.

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The two injured people were in Coracora and suffered injuries while evacuating.

Two individuals in Coracora sustained injuries while evacuating, according to Luis Vásquez, head of Peru's Civil Defense. Preliminary assessments indicate damage to 22 homes, six health centers, and at least one educational facility in various towns. Rockfalls were also reported near Coracora, as authorities continued to inspect rural and remote areas.

Despite the significant shaking, which was felt as far as Lima, approximately 650 kilometers away, no major structural collapses or fatalities have been reported. The Director of Hydrography and Navigation of the Peruvian Navy confirmed that the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to the coast. Two aftershocks, magnitudes 4.2 and 4.0, were recorded later that evening. Peru lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its high seismic activity, with a devastating magnitude 7.9 earthquake in 2007 claiming nearly 600 lives.

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The population went out into the streets out of fear, but the authorities did not report critical impacts.