A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.2 hit near the coast of central Peru at 05:36 UTC on June 28, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 28 km (17 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.0 at a depth of 56 km (35 miles).
The epicenter was located 34 km (21 miles) SW of Atiquipa (population 137), Arequipa, and 93 km (58 miles) SE of San Juan (population 12 795), Ica, Peru
1 000 people are estimated to have felt severe shaking, 63 000 very strong, 95 000 strong, 416 000 moderate and 1 880 000 light.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, the NWS PTWC center in Honolulu, Hawai, said at 05:43 UTC.
However, in Tsunami Message Number 2, issued at 05:59 UTC, PTWC updated its forecast and said hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts:
Tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 m (3.3 – 9.8 feet) above the tide level are possible along some coasts of Peru. Tsunami waves are forecast to be less than 0.3 m (1 foot) above the tide level for the coasts of Chile.
“Actual amplitudes at the coast may vary from forecast amplitudes due to uncertainties in the forecast and local features. In particular, maximum tsunami amplitudes on atolls and at locations with fringing or barrier reefs will likely be much smaller than the forecast indicates.”
In an update posted at 06:46 UTC, PTWC said the tsunami threat from this earthquake has passed. People living in affected regions are urged to remain observant and exercise normal caution near the sea.
The USGS issued a Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Past yellow alerts have required a local or regional level response.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Peru.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that might have contributed to losses.
The quake left a total of 8 people injured, of which 3 with minor injuries. Five people have been treated in nearby hospitals.
Structural damage was reported in some districts, according to the government of Arequipa.
The mayor of Yauca district said some walls of houses collapsed.
Power and telecommunications outages were reported near the epicenter.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google