A powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck southern Peru on Thursday afternoon though authorities report no immediate casualties or major damage.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor hit the Ayacucho region in the Andes Mountains at a depth of 99 kilometers. The Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) which initially estimated the magnitude at 7.2, recorded the depth at 108 kilometers.
IGP head Hernando Tavera explained that the quake's significant depth absorbed much of the seismic energy before it reached the surface with preventing severe structural damage.
"The population went out to the streets out of concern but there is no impact" Tavera told local media.
Despite the depth of light-to-moderate shaking was felt clearly across southern and central Peru reaching as far as the capital city of Lima.
Following a recent period of heightened seismic activity, disaster risk agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant, review household evacuation protocols and keep emergency supply kits prepared.
Peru is highly vulnerable to tremors due to its location on the "Pacific Ring of Fire" a volatile zone where approximately 85% of the world's earthquakes occur. One of the country's most destructive recent quakes happened in 2007 when a 7.9-magnitude tremor in the Ica region left nearly 600 people dead.
