One Dead After 6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Peru

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Peru on Sunday, causing one death and five injuries. The quake, centered near Callao, triggered landslides but did not generate a tsunami warning. President Boluarte urged calm as local officials manage the aftermath.

On Sunday, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck Peru, leading to one fatality and triggering landslides, according to local officials. The tremor occurred just before noon and was centered approximately 30 kilometers, or 20 miles, from Callao, a port city close to Lima, as reported by the National Seismological Center. The US Geological Survey, however, recorded the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.6.

Fortunately, the Peruvian government stated that no tsunami warning was issued following this seismic event. Tragically, a man lost his life in Lima when a wall collapsed onto his vehicle, as confirmed by the National Police. The Emergency Operations Center also reported five people sustained injuries in the capital city as a result of the quake.

In light of the disaster, President Dina Boluarte urged citizens to remain calm, emphasizing that there was no threat of a tsunami affecting the Pacific coastline of Peru. Footage on local TV station Latina depicted numerous landslides across different parts of the capital, raising concerns over infrastructure safety.

The earthquake’s impact was significant enough to prompt the suspension of a major football match occurring in Lima, underscoring the severity of the situation. Peru, which is home to around 34 million residents, is situated along the “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its frequent seismic and volcanic activity. On average, the country experiences at least 100 detectable earthquakes each year.

The last notable quake took place in the Amazon region in 2021, recording a magnitude of 7.5 and resulting in 12 injuries along with the destruction of over 70 homes. A devastating earthquake in 1970 in northern Ancash claimed approximately 67,000 lives, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such disasters.

Overall, while the recent earthquake caused significant alarm and tragedy, the current circumstances have been managed with no immediate threat of further disasters.

In summary, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Peru on Sunday, resulting in one death and several injuries. Although landslides occurred and a major football game was affected, authorities quickly confirmed that no tsunami warning had been issued. With Peru’s history of seismic activity, President Boluarte urged calm among citizens while officials continue to assess the situation and support affected areas.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr