6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Peru, Leaving Two Injured

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Andes mountains in southern Peru on Thursday, causing at least two injuries and damaging homes, health centers, and schools, according to authorities. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at 1 p.m. local time, centered 38 kilometers (24 miles) northwest of the city of Upahuacho in the Parinacochas province, at a depth of 66 kilometers (41 miles). The tremor was felt across several regions, including Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco, and the capital, Lima. Luis Vásquez, head of Civil Defense, stated that two people were injured while evacuating their homes in Coracora, the capital of Parinacochas province. Authorities reported damage to 22 homes, six health centers, and a school across districts including Puquio, Pullo, Coracora, Upahuacho, San Pedro, and Pichari. Additionally, rockfalls were reported on hillsides near Coracora. The Peruvian Navy has ruled out a tsunami threat. Peru is located within the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' an area characterized by frequent seismic activity.