Three earthquakes over magnitude 4 shake Peru in less than an hour

Peru experienced a flurry of seismic activity on Thursday, with three earthquakes measuring over magnitude 4 occurring in less than an hour. The Peruvian Geophysical Institute (IGP) reported the tremors, which primarily affected the northern Tumbes region and the southern Tacna region.

The first earthquake struck at 12:09 p.m. with a magnitude of 4.7. Its epicenter was located 22 kilometers northwest of Zorritos in the Contralmirante Villar province, at a depth of 40 kilometers. Just fourteen minutes later, at 12:23 p.m., a second quake of magnitude 4.2 was recorded in Tumbes, with its epicenter 37 kilometers northeast of Zarumilla, also at a depth of 40 kilometers.

A third seismic event occurred at 12:40 p.m. in the Tacna region, registering a magnitude of 4.1. This quake's epicenter was 45 kilometers southeast of Tarata, at a considerably greater depth of 148 kilometers. Earlier in the day, a smaller tremor of magnitude 3.5 was recorded in Moquegua.

While the earthquakes were felt with varying intensity, with the first registering III-IV in Zorritos and the second II-III in Zarumilla, authorities have reported no victims or material damage. Nevertheless, the proximity of the Tumbes quakes caused concern among residents, underscoring the importance of maintaining preparedness for emergencies.

Peru's frequent seismic activity is attributed to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense tectonic activity. The interaction between the Nazca and South American plates causes energy to build up and release as earthquakes. The IGP continues to monitor seismic activity and advises citizens to have emergency kits, identify safe zones, and participate in drills to mitigate risks.