A strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Andes Mountains of Peru, causing injuries to at least two individuals and significant damage to homes, health facilities, and schools, as confirmed by authorities.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at 1 p.m. local time and had its epicenter located 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho city in the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region, with a depth of 66 kilometers.
The seismic event was widely felt across various regions of southern Peru, including Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco, and even in the capital city of Lima.
Luis Vasquez, the head of Civil Defence, informed the media that two individuals sustained injuries while evacuating their residences in Coracora, the main city of the Parinacochas province.
Reports from authorities indicated that 22 houses, six healthcare facilities, and a school suffered damage in several districts within Ayacucho and Cusco, encompassing Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari.
Peru experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for its high frequency of earthquakes.
Notably, in 2007, a powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Ica region, leading to the tragic loss of nearly 600 lives.