6.7-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Peru and Causes Damage

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Peru on Thursday, August 21, 2026, causing damage to buildings and leaving at least three people injured. The tremor, recorded near the small settlement of Aniso in the southern region of Ayacucho, also caused power outages in thousands of properties.

Details of the tremor and location

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7. The epicenter was located about 31 kilometers northwest of Aniso, in a relatively remote area of the Andes Mountains. The event occurred around 1 p.m. local time (18:00 GMT) and had a depth of 100 kilometers. Tremors were felt across large parts of the country, including the capital, Lima, which is approximately 482 kilometers away.

Reported damage and injuries

Local authorities recorded damage to several structures. Peru's Defense Minister, Rafael Belaunde, stated that 22 homes and six schools were affected, as reported by local media. Peru's National Civil Defense Institute added that 10 health facilities in the Ayacucho region and two in the neighboring Cusco region suffered damage, but services remained operational. Additionally, nine educational facilities were damaged, and about 9,000 properties were left without power.

Rafael Belaunde, who participated in coordinating the emergency response, confirmed that three people were injured but did not suffer serious injuries, according to the Peruvian newspaper El Comercio.

Seismic context in the region

Peru is located at the meeting point of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, making earthquakes common events in the country. The tremor on August 21, 2026, was the latest strong seismic event to hit South America in recent months.

• On August 10, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency. Local authorities reported that the death toll currently exceeds 300 people.
• Venezuela was affected by two earthquakes on June 24, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, recorded just 39 seconds apart. Local officials stated that more than 6,000 people died.

With information from BBC News.