Strong earthquake hits southern Peru, causing minor injuries and infrastructure damage

A strong earthquake, initially reported as magnitude 6.7 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), jolted southern Peru on Thursday, leaving three people with minor injuries. The epicenter was located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho, at a depth of 99 kilometers, according to the USGS. The quake occurred around 1 p.m. local time.

Authorities are assessing the damage, with initial reports indicating that at least 22 homes, six schools, and 12 medical centers were affected. The Peruvian Geophysical Institute (IGP) recorded the earthquake at a higher magnitude of 7.2 and reported a depth of 108 kilometers. Emergency teams have been dispatched to the Andean towns of Puquio and Coracora, which are closest to the epicenter.

Footage from Peru shows rock and mudslides on hillsides near Coracora, a town in the Ayacucho region with about 10,000 residents. The mayor of Coracora, Yony Odon, told state television that residents responded by evacuating and seeking shelter, expressing hope that significant damage would be avoided.

The earthquake was felt with moderate to strong intensity in several regions, according to the National Civil Defense Institute. A 4.2 magnitude aftershock was also recorded later in the afternoon. While the tremors were felt in cities like Cusco, Arequipa, and even Lima, the intensity was lower in those areas.

“

Residents responded. They evacuated and took shelter.