A seismic event with a magnitude of 6.7 struck the southern Andes Mountains of Peru on Thursday, causing injuries to at least two individuals and causing damage to residences, medical facilities, and educational institutions, as per officials. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquake occurred at 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho city in the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region, at a depth of 66 kilometers.
The impact of the earthquake was felt across various areas in southern Peru, including Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco, and the capital city of Lima. Luis Vasquez, the head of Civil Defence, disclosed that two individuals sustained injuries while evacuating their residences in Coracora, the principal town of the Parinacochas province.
Reports from authorities highlighted the destruction of 22 residences, six medical facilities, and a school in multiple districts of Ayacucho and Cusco, encompassing Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari. Peru, being situated in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is prone to frequent seismic activities, with earthquakes being a common occurrence. A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 in 2007 in the Ica region resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 600 lives.
