Tsunami warning following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in southern Peru

The United States Geological Survey reported that a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the city of San Juan de Marcona, 91 kilometers southeast of Ica, Peru, early Friday morning.

According to the report of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 12:36 a.m. on Friday morning Lima time (0536GMT) in the province of Nazca in the region of Ica.

Volcano Discovery reported: The earthquake was at a very shallow depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles) and was widely felt in the region.

Residents of Ika and surrounding areas felt strong tremors, although a detailed assessment of damages and casualties is still underway.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also said there was no tsunami threat, but later warned that waves of up to three meters “may hit some beaches.” It’s quiet, not unusual.

Volcano Discovery noted that since 1900, at least 3 earthquakes greater than 7 on the Richter scale have occurred in the region, suggesting that larger earthquakes of this magnitude probably occur infrequently, on average every 40 to 45 years.

The US Geological Survey said it continues to monitor aftershocks and the possibility of more seismic activity.

Translator: Azam Purkand