A powerful Peru earthquake has damaged homes, schools and healthcare facilities in the southern Ayacucho region.
The 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Aniso on Thursday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
At least three people suffered injuries. However, officials said none of the injuries appeared to be serious.
Peru Earthquake Hits Southern Andes
The earthquake struck at about 1pm local time, or 6pm GMT.
According to USGS data, the quake occurred at a depth of around 100 kilometres.
Its epicentre was about 31 kilometres northwest of Aniso, a small settlement in a remote part of the Andes.
Despite the distance from major population centres, strong tremors were felt across much of Peru.
Residents in Lima also reported feeling the shaking. The capital is around 482 kilometres from the earthquake’s reported epicentre.
Homes and Schools Suffer Damage
Peru’s Defence Minister Rafael Belaunde said the earthquake damaged 22 homes and six schools, according to local media reports.
The country’s National Institute of Civil Defence also reported damage to several educational facilities.
Meanwhile, emergency teams assessed buildings and infrastructure across affected areas.
The earthquake also damaged healthcare facilities in both Ayacucho and neighbouring Cusco.
Healthcare Services Remain Operational
Ten healthcare facilities in Ayacucho suffered damage, while two facilities in Cusco also reported damage.
Fortunately, authorities said medical services remained operational.
Emergency officials continued inspecting buildings as they assessed the overall impact of the earthquake.
The government has also been coordinating the emergency response in the affected areas.
Thousands Lose Electricity
The earthquake also caused widespread power disruptions.
Around 9,000 properties lost electricity following the tremors, according to Peru’s civil defence authorities.
Power cuts added to the difficulties facing communities in the affected region.
However, officials continued working to assess infrastructure and restore essential services.
Earthquake Magnitude Differs by Agency
There was a difference in the magnitude reported by international and Peruvian authorities.
The USGS recorded the earthquake at magnitude 6.7.
However, the Geophysical Institute of Peru measured the event at magnitude 7.2.
Such differences can occur because agencies use different instruments, calculations and measurement methods.
Three People Injured
Belaunde said three people suffered injuries during the earthquake.
According to reports in Peruvian newspaper El Comercio, their injuries were not serious.
Authorities continued monitoring the situation while emergency personnel assessed damaged buildings and public infrastructure.
Why Earthquakes Are Common in Peru
Peru experiences frequent earthquakes because it lies along the boundary between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates.
The Nazca Plate moves beneath the South American Plate, creating significant seismic activity along the region.
As a result, Peru regularly experiences earthquakes ranging from minor tremors to major seismic events.
South America Has Seen Other Strong Earthquakes
The latest Peru earthquake follows several powerful seismic events elsewhere in South America.
Colombia experienced a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on August 10. Local authorities subsequently declared a state of emergency.
Venezuela also experienced two major earthquakes on June 24. The tremors measured 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred just 39 seconds apart.
The recent seismic activity has highlighted the region’s exposure to powerful earthquakes.
Authorities Continue Damage Assessments
Emergency authorities in Peru are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage.
Officials are also monitoring affected communities for additional problems following the initial earthquake.
For now, authorities have reported three injuries and damage to residential, educational and healthcare facilities.
As assessments continue, officials are expected to provide further information about the impact of the earthquake and the recovery response.
