A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.7 struck the southern Andes Mountains of Peru, causing injuries and significant damage to homes, health centers, and schools, as confirmed by authorities. The seismic event, which occurred at 1 p.m. local time, was located 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho city in the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region, with a depth of 66 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The impact of the earthquake was felt across various regions in southern Peru, including Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco, and Lima.

Civil Defence Chief Luis Vasquez informed the media that two individuals sustained injuries while fleeing their residences in Coracora, the provincial capital of Parinacochas. Additionally, authorities noted structural damage to 22 residences, six medical facilities, and a school in multiple districts spanning Ayacucho and Cusco, encompassing Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari.

Peru is no stranger to seismic activity, being situated within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a zone known for frequent earthquakes. In a tragic event in 2007, a massive magnitude 7.9 earthquake in the Ica region resulted in the loss of nearly 600 lives.