A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck the southern Andes Mountains in Peru, causing injuries to two individuals and significant damage to residences, medical facilities, and educational institutions, as confirmed by officials. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the seismic event took place at 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho, in the Parinacochas province within the Ayacucho region, and reaching a depth of 66 kilometers.

The tremor was felt across multiple areas in southern Peru, encompassing Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco, and even the capital city, Lima. Luis Vasquez, the Civil Defence chief, informed the media that two persons sustained injuries while evacuating buildings in Coracora, the primary urban center of the Parinacochas province.

Additionally, authorities reported structural damage to 22 residences, six medical facilities, and a school spread across various districts in Ayacucho and Cusco, including Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari.

Peru experiences frequent seismic events due to its location in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for heightened tectonic activity. Notably, in 2007, a devastating magnitude 7.9 earthquake in the Ica region resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 600 lives.