Powerful Earthquake Shakes Southern Peru, Injuring Two and Damaging Buildings
Deep 6.7-magnitude quake centered in the Andes was felt as far away as Lima; authorities report no tsunami threat
LIMA, Peru — A powerful earthquake struck Peru’s southern Andes on Thursday afternoon, injuring at least two people, damaging homes and public buildings, and sending frightened residents into streets across a wide swath of the country.
The U.S. Geological Survey measured the earthquake at magnitude 6.7 and placed its center near Aniso in the mountainous Ayacucho region. It occurred at approximately 1 p.m. local time on Aug. 20, about 99 kilometers, or 62 miles, below the surface. Peru’s Geophysical Institute initially reported a higher magnitude of 7.2 and a depth of 108 kilometers. Differences between agencies are common because they use separate monitoring networks and calculation methods. Reuters
The shaking was felt throughout southern and central Peru, including Ayacucho, Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurímac and Cusco. Residents also reported feeling the earthquake in Lima, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter.
At least two people were injured in Coracora while evacuating during the earthquake, according to authorities cited by The Associated Press. Preliminary inspections found damage to 22 homes, six health facilities and one school in communities including Coracora, Puquio, Pullo, Upahuacho, San Pedro and Pichari. Rockfalls were also reported along roads near Coracora. The Associated Press
Early reports immediately following the quake indicated no casualties or serious structural damage. The later figures emerged as emergency personnel reached remote mountain communities and completed their first inspections. No deaths had been reported as of Friday.
Depth Curbed The Severity
Hernando Tavera, president of Peru’s Geophysical Institute, said the earthquake’s considerable depth helped reduce the severity of the destruction at the surface. Although deep earthquakes can be felt over large distances, their seismic energy generally weakens before reaching buildings and infrastructure.
“The population went out to the streets out of concern, but there is no impact,” Tavera told Peruvian radio station RPP during the initial assessment. Subsequent reports showed localized damage but no widespread devastation.
Peru’s navy said the inland earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat. The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System classified the event as having a low expected humanitarian impact, estimating that about 10,000 people experienced moderate or stronger shaking. GDACS
Emergency officials continued inspecting buildings, health centers and roadways Friday, particularly in isolated areas of Ayacucho where landslides and difficult terrain can delay damage assessments. Residents were advised to remain alert for aftershocks and to avoid weakened structures.
Prone to this
Peru is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Offshore, the Nazca tectonic plate is being forced beneath the South American plate, steadily building pressure that is periodically released through earthquakes.
The country has experienced several destructive earthquakes in its history. A magnitude 7.9 earthquake near the coastal city of Pisco in 2007 killed nearly 600 people and destroyed tens of thousands of homes.
Thursday’s earthquake was significantly deeper than the Pisco disaster, limiting its destructive force. Even so, the strength and broad reach of the shaking provided another reminder of Peru’s persistent seismic danger—and the importance of reinforced construction, evacuation planning and emergency preparedness.
This report reflects preliminary information available on Aug. 21, 2026. Damage and injury totals may change as authorities complete inspections in remote communities.
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