Disasters & Incidents
Peru earthquake injures three, officials say
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake in southern Peru caused minor injuries to three people and affected at least 22 homes, six schools and 12 medical centres, according to a preliminary official report, as damage assessments continued.
The United States Geological Survey said the quake struck on Thursday at 1 pm local time, with its epicentre about 40 kilometres northwest of Upahuacho and nearly 800 kilometres from Lima. USGS put the depth at 99 kilometres.
The Geophysical Institute of Peru measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.2 and said it occurred at a depth of 108 kilometres. It also reported a 4.2-magnitude aftershock at 4:30 pm local time.
Emergency teams were deployed to the Andean towns of Puquio and Coracora. Peruvian media showed rocks and earth falling down hills around Coracora in Ayacucho region, the closest town to the epicentre, which has about 10,000 residents.
Coracora mayor Yony Odon told state television that residents had evacuated and taken shelter, and said he hoped there was no major damage.
Peru's National Institute of Civil Defense said the earthquake was felt with moderate to strong intensity in several departments. AFP journalists said the tremor was also felt with lesser intensity in Cusco, Arequipa and Lima.
Update
Authorities reported minor injuries to three people in a preliminary report.
At least 22 homes, six schools and 12 medical centres were reported affected as damage assessments continued.
The USGS depth is now given as 99 kilometres, while Peru's IGP gave 108 kilometres.
Emergency teams were deployed to Puquio and Coracora.
Peru's IGP reported a 4.2-magnitude aftershock at 4:30 pm local time.
Source note: AFP news report published on 21 August 2026 at 01:17:01 UTC.
Update
Peruvian media showed rocks and earth tumbling down hills around Coracora in Ayacucho region.
Coracora's mayor Yony Odon said residents evacuated and took shelter.
Peru's National Institute of Civil Defense said the quake was felt with moderate to strong intensity in several departments.
AFP journalists said the tremor was felt in Cusco, Arequipa and Lima, with lesser intensity.
Source note: AFP news report published on 20 August 2026 at 19:13:33 UTC.
Update
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
The epicentre was about 40 kilometres northwest of Upahuacho and nearly 800 kilometres from Lima.
US seismologists put the quake depth at 66 kilometres.
The Geophysical Institute of Peru put the magnitude at 7.2.
Source note: AFP news report published on 20 August 2026 at 18:40:24 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The injury and damage figures come from a preliminary report and may change as assessments continue.
USGS and the Geophysical Institute of Peru reported different magnitudes and depths for the quake.
Source
AFP news report published on .