Strong earthquake strikes southern Peru, leaving several injured

On August 21, 2026, a strong earthquake struck southern Peru, leaving three people with minor injuries and causing damage to dozens of structures in the region. The tremor, which occurred in the early afternoon, was also felt in the capital, Lima, and other parts of the country. Local authorities and seismology institutes released preliminary assessments on the impact and intensity of the phenomenon.

Technical details and location of the tremor

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7 and occurred at a depth of 99 kilometers. The epicenter was located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho and nearly 800 kilometers from Lima. On the other hand, the Geophysical Institute of Peru recorded the magnitude at 7.2, with an estimated depth of 108 kilometers. The tremor occurred at 1:00 p.m. local time.

Impacts and property damage in towns

Initial reports indicate that the earthquake affected at least 22 homes, six schools, and 12 health centers. In the town of Coracora, located in the Ayacucho region and the closest to the epicenter, Peruvian media footage showed rocks and dirt sliding down nearby hills. The municipality has an estimated population of about 10,000 inhabitants.

Reaction of residents and authorities

The mayor of Coracora, Yony Odon, told state television that the local population responded quickly, evacuating and seeking shelter. The official expressed hope that no major damage had occurred in the town. The National Civil Defense Institute posted on the social media platform X that the tremor was felt with moderate to strong intensity in several of the country's departments.

Recent history of earthquakes in the region

The seismic event in Peru comes after two other major tremors recently recorded in South America. On June 24, a double earthquake in Venezuela resulted in the deaths of more than 6,400 people. Additionally, in the week prior to the Peruvian earthquake, a strong tremor in Colombia caused the deaths of nearly 300 people.

With information from France 24.