A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of central Peru on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The tremor, centered 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) from the Atiquipa district, sent shockwaves across the region. The earthquake was felt in Lima, the country’s capital, and a significant portion of Peru’s southern and central coastline. The impact was substantial, with reports of damage emerging from various locations. In Yauca, the mayor, Juan Aranguren, reported that walls collapsed in his town. A major highway traversing the region also sustained cracks, highlighting the force of the quake. Local residents described the terrifying experience, with one villager recounting the fear of children as they felt the strong tremors.
Despite the initial concern, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre later announced that the threat of a tsunami had passed. The center had previously issued warnings of potentially hazardous waves for certain coastal areas.
Peruvian Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen, speaking to RPP radio, sought to reassure the nation, stating that the earthquake had passed and authorities were conducting initial assessments. He confirmed that no fatalities had been reported thus far.
Peru, with its 33 million inhabitants, sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its intense seismic activity. The Ring of Fire stretches along the west coast of the Americas, and Peru experiences hundreds of detectable earthquakes annually. This latest tremor serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
