A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Peru on Sunday, resulting in one death, injuries, and landslides. The quake struck near Callao, causing the suspension of a football game, but no tsunami warning was issued. President Boluarte has urged calm among citizens.
On Sunday, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck Peru, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries, according to officials. The earthquake’s epicenter was reported to be approximately 30 kilometers, or about 20 miles, from Callao, a port city adjacent to the capital, Lima. This information was shared by the National Seismological Center although the US Geological Survey reported a slightly lower magnitude of 5.6.
Authorities determined that the tremor did not lead to any tsunami warnings, alleviating fears of additional calamity. Tragically, a man lost his life in Lima when a wall collapsed onto the vehicle he was driving, as confirmed by the National Police. The Emergency Operations Center has further reported at least five other individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
In the wake of the quake, President Dina Boluarte urged citizens to remain calm, emphasizing the absence of a tsunami threat along Peru’s Pacific coastline. Eyewitness accounts and footage broadcasted by Latina TV depicted landslides occurring in several districts of Lima, highlighting the quake’s impact.
The seismic event caused disruption in Lima, including the suspension of a key football match due to safety concerns. Peru is located on the Pacific Rim of Fire, an area renowned for its significant seismic and volcanic activity, which explains the frequency of earthquakes in the country. In fact, Peru typically experiences at least 100 detectable earthquakes annually.
The last notable earthquake occurred in 2021 in the Amazon region, shipping a magnitude of 7.5 and injuring a dozen people while damaging over 70 homes. To put things in perspective, a catastrophic quake in 1970 in the northern region of Ancash resulted in a staggering loss of around 67,000 lives.
The recent 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Peru has resulted in one death and several injuries, with impacts felt throughout Lima and nearby regions. While there were initial concerns about a tsunami, officials confirmed no warning was necessary. President Dina Boluarte has called for public calm amid this minor but painful event, further emphasizing Peru’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic activity.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
