India, Aug. 21: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 in magnitude struck Peru’s southern Andes on Thursday, injuring at least two people and causing damage to homes, health centres and schools, according to local authorities.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the tremor occurred at around 1 pm local time, or 1800 GMT. The epicentre was located about 38 kilometres (24 miles) northwest of Upahuacho city in Parinacochas province, within the Ayacucho region.
The seismic event occurred at a depth of approximately 66.7 kilometres, according to the USGS. The strong shaking was reported across several areas of southern Peru, including the regions of Ica and Arequipa.
Authorities began assessing the extent of the damage following the tremor, with reports indicating that several buildings, including residential properties and public facilities, were affected. At least two people were reported injured.
Peru is highly vulnerable to seismic activity because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean that experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
The country has witnessed several devastating earthquakes in the past. In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the Ica region, killing nearly 600 people and causing widespread destruction.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and assess damage in the affected areas following Thursday’s earthquake.
