A massive earthquake shook the coast of Peru on Friday night. The USGS Earthquake Observatory gave the magnitude 7.2. The Peruvian Geophysical Institute (IGP) estimated the magnitude at 7.0. The local maritime authority issued a tsunami warning for the coast of Peru. It was lifted hours later. According to the Peruvian Earthquake Observatory, the quake struck shortly after midnight (local time) at a depth of 42 kilometers (26 miles) in the Pacific Ocean, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of the coastal community of Yauca in South America. Several smaller aftershocks followed in the affected region of Arequipa.
There were reports of some structural damage and nine people were slightly injured, the head of the National Institute for Civil Protection said. The newspaper “El Comercio” reported that 14 were injured. The strong earthquake alarmed residents and forced them to leave their homes, IGP chief Hernando Tavera told radio station RPP. According to local media, the earthquake was also felt in the major cities of Ica and Lima.
Earthquakes occur regularly in Peru. The entire west coast of the American double continent lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is known for its high seismic activity.