A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Peru on Sunday. It killed one person and injured five others. Additionally, the tremor triggered landslides across several areas of Lima, according to officials.
The quake hit just before noon. According to the National Seismological Center, the epicenter was about 30 kilometers from Callao, a port city near Lima. However, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.6.
Wall Collapse Kills One Person
As a result of the quake, a wall collapsed onto a car in Lima. The National Police confirmed that the incident killed one man. Meanwhile, local TV station Latina broadcasted videos of landslides in different parts of the capital.
No Tsunami Warning Issued
Fortunately, the quake did not cause a tsunami. Authorities confirmed this soon after the tremors. President Dina Boluarte addressed the public and urged calm. She assured, “the Pacific coastline was not under threat.”
Major Football Match Suspended
Due to the quake, officials suspended a major football match in Lima. This decision came as a precaution to protect players and fans.
Peru Lies in a High-Risk Seismic Zone
Peru, which has a population of 34 million, lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This region experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. On average, Peru records more than 100 noticeable quakes each year.
In comparison, a 7.5-magnitude quake struck the Amazon region in 2021. That event injured 12 people and destroyed over 70 homes. However, Peru’s deadliest earthquake occurred in 1970. That disaster killed around 67,000 people in the northern Ancash region.
