Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes Central Peru near Puquio; no immediate damage reported, authorities monitor roads for landslides.
Lima, May 17 – A powerful earthquake registering magnitude 6 struck Central Peru on Saturday, shaking the Andean region near Puquio, Ayacucho. Despite the quake’s strength, officials reported no immediate damage or casualties in the nearest town.
Central Peru Earthquake Impact
The earthquake occurred 23 kilometers south of Puquio, in the Lucanas province. According to Peru’s state-run Geophysical Institute, the tremor struck at a depth of 97 kilometers, which helped reduce its impact on the surface.
Hernando Tavera, head of the Geophysical Institute of Peru, told local media, “The earthquake was felt as far as the central coast but it was mild. There may have been some minor landslides on roads, but no damage has been reported in Puquio.”
Depth Mitigates Surface Effects in Central Peru Quake
Due to the quake’s considerable depth, its surface effects were relatively weak. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported a slightly higher magnitude of 6.1 but listed the depth at only 10 kilometers, creating some variation in the initial readings.
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Officials continue monitoring the situation in Central Peru, especially potential road obstructions caused by landslides. So far, the population has been spared serious consequences.
Emergency Preparedness in Central Peru’s Seismic Zones
This earthquake highlights the ongoing seismic risks in Central Peru, a region characterized by tectonic activity in the Andes mountains.
Local authorities urge residents and travelers to remain vigilant and prepared for aftershocks or future seismic events.
