Background on the Event and its Impact
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Lima and its surrounding areas, causing one fatality in Peru’s capital and triggering several landslides.
Details of the Incident
The earthquake began at 11:35 local time (16:35 GMT) with its epicenter located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Callao, a city adjacent to Lima, according to the National Seismological Center.
The Peruvian National Police confirmed that a 36-year-old man died after being crushed by the collapse of a wall onto his vehicle in the Independencia district of Lima.
Government Response and Aftermath
President Dina Boluarte urged the public to remain calm, reminding them that there is no tsunami alert for the country’s coastline.
A video circulating on Latina news channel showed landslides in several Lima municipalities following the earthquake.
The quake led to the temporary suspension of a football match between Sporting Cristal and Deportivo Garcilaso for the Apertura tournament.
Contextual Information on Seismic Activity in Peru
Peru, home to 34 million people, lies within the “Ring of Fire,” a region stretching along the western coast of Americas and the eastern coast of Asia, known for its highest seismic activity globally.
Annually, Peru experiences over a hundred perceptible earthquakes. In 2021, the most significant quake was a 7.5 magnitude event in the Amazonas region, leaving 12 injured and destroying more than 70 homes.
Historically, Peru has faced severe seismic events; in 1970, the country experienced one of the deadliest earthquakes in the last century, claiming 67,000 lives in the Ancash region, central-northern Peru.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was affected by the earthquake? A 36-year-old man lost his life when a wall collapsed onto his vehicle in Lima’s Independencia district.
- What was the epicenter of the earthquake? The epicenter was located about 30 kilometers southwest of Callao, a city neighboring Lima.
- What actions did the government take? President Dina Boluarte urged calm and clarified that there was no tsunami alert for Peru’s coastline.
- What other consequences did the earthquake have? The quake triggered landslides in several Lima municipalities and led to the temporary suspension of a football match.
- Why is Peru prone to earthquakes? Peru is situated in the “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active zone along the western coast of Americas and the eastern coast of Asia.
