All NewsEducationTV
Equities & FundsCrypto & Digital AssetsAI & TechnologyBusiness & CorporateUS Politics & PolicyGeopolitics & Global RiskMacro, Rates & FXCommodities & EnergyEuropean Politics & MarketsAsia-PacificReal Estate & Property
All NewsHome
← Back to Geopolitics & Global Risk

Peru earthquake injures three, damages buildings and causes power cuts

Created at 21 Aug · 2:51 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Peru's southern Ayacucho region, injuring three people and damaging homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. Power outages affected thousands of properties, with tremors felt across the country.

Key Numbers

6.7earthquake magnitude (USGS)
7.2earthquake magnitude (Geophysical Institute of Peru)
46 milesdistance from Pausa to epicenter
74 kmdistance from Pausa to epicenter
22homes damaged
6schools damaged
10healthcare facilities damaged in Ayacucho
2healthcare facilities damaged in Cusco
9,000properties lost power
19 milesdistance north-west of Aniso
31 kmdistance north-west of Aniso
62 milesearthquake depth
100 kmearthquake depth
300 miles
distance from Lima to epicenter
482 kmdistance from Lima to epicenter

Who's Involved

Rafael Belaunde
Peru's defence minister coordinating emergency response
USGS
United States Geological Survey reporting earthquake magnitude
Geophysical Institute of Peru
Recorded earthquake magnitude
National Institute of Civil Defence
Reported damage to healthcare facilities and power outages

↳ Why This Matters

The earthquake highlights Peru's vulnerability to seismic activity due to its location on tectonic plate boundaries, impacting infrastructure and daily life for thousands.

Key facts

  • A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Peru's southern Ayacucho region on Thursday.
  • Three people were injured, with no serious injuries reported.
  • Twenty-two homes and six schools sustained damage.
  • Ten healthcare facilities in Ayacucho and two in Cusco were damaged.
  • Approximately 9,000 properties lost power.
  • Tremors were felt across the country, including in Lima.

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Peru's southern Ayacucho region on Thursday, causing damage to buildings and power outages. The earthquake's epicenter was near the settlement of Aniso, at a depth of 62 miles (100km).

According to Peru's defence minister Rafael Belaunde, three people were injured but did not suffer serious injuries. Damage was reported to 22 homes and six schools. Additionally, 10 healthcare facilities in the Ayacucho region and two in the neighboring Cusco region were affected, though services remained operational. Power was cut to approximately 9,000 properties.

The Geophysical Institute of Peru recorded the earthquake as having a magnitude of 7.2, while the USGS reported 6.7. Tremors were felt across large parts of the country, including the capital, Lima, located about 300 miles (482km) away.

Peru is located along the meeting point of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, making seismic activity common. This event follows recent significant earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela.

Frequently asked questions

The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 6.7, while the Geophysical Institute of Peru recorded it as 7.2.

The earthquake struck near the small settlement of Aniso in the southern Ayacucho region of Peru.

Buildings, including homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, were damaged, and approximately 9,000 properties lost power.

Yes, earthquakes are common in Peru as it sits along the meeting point of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates.

What Happens Next

01Emergency response efforts will continue.
02Damage assessments will be finalized.

How It Developed

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Aniso in Peru's Ayacucho region.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 62 miles (100km).
Three people sustained minor injuries.
Twenty-two homes and six schools were damaged.
Ten healthcare facilities in Ayacucho and two in Cusco were damaged.
Power was cut to approximately 9,000 properties.
Tremors were felt across Peru, including in the capital, Lima.

Sources

T1
Peru earthquake damages buildings and causes power cutsBBC News

Related Stories

Several injured in sword attack at Swedish school
21 Aug · 1:11 PM
Blast in Syria's Idlib kills at least three
21 Aug · 1:41 AM
UN says two staff members detained in Afghanistan have been freed
20 Aug · 5:34 PM
Russian attacks destroy 10m books, Ukrainian publishers seek aid
20 Aug · 3:46 PM
Russian drone strike kills 5, wounds 52 in Kryvyi Rih
21 Aug · 3:09 PM