Major Earthquake Strikes Southern Peru

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southern coast of Peru early Friday morning, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGC). The quake’s epicenter was located near the small coastal village of Atiquipa, approximately 600 kilometers south of Lima. Residents experienced a strong, prolonged tremor that shook homes. Eight people have been reported injured, but no fatalities have been confirmed, according to Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen.
The Peruvian government is currently assessing the damage. An initial tsunami alert was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), warning of potential waves up to 3 meters, but this alert was later canceled. The USGC attributes the earthquake to the movement of the South American and Nazca tectonic plates, which frequently cause powerful earthquakes in the region.