A 5.8-magnitude seismic event has rattled the southern Peruvian Pacific region late Tuesday, leaving at least 27 people injured and causing structural damage to multiple buildings across the affected area. Local authorities have confirmed that no fatalities have been recorded in the wake of the tremor.
According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicenter was pinpointed 20 kilometers, or 12.4 miles, east-southeast of Pampa de Tate, a small town located in Peru’s Ica region. The temblor originated at a depth of approximately 56.5 kilometers, equal to 35 miles, below the Earth’s surface.
In response to the disaster, Peruvian Defense Minister Amadeo Flores traveled to the impacted zone to assess the destruction and meet with local response teams. During his visit, Flores inspected several damaged structures, most notably the main campus of San Luis Gonzaga University.
Seismic activity is a frequent occurrence across Peru, a geographic reality that stems from the country’s position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This geologically active zone is a horseshoe-shaped arc of volcanoes and tectonic fault lines that wraps around the entire Pacific Basin, making nations along its perimeter highly prone to regular earthquake and volcanic activity.