6.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Peru

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck central Peru today, Thursday, reported the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). According to the center, the epicenter was at a depth of approximately 10 km. There are currently no reports of casualties or significant damage.

Just last week, the President of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced that the death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck the country had risen to 111, with an additional 87 people injured and dozens of buildings collapsed.

The epicenter of that quake was near the town of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco department, but it was felt throughout the country and caused particularly heavy damage in the Coffee Axis region and in the cities of Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and Buenaventura. Rescue teams continue to search for those trapped under the rubble, and it is estimated that the number of casualties may still rise.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the magnitude of that quake was 7.4, occurring at a depth of about 107 kilometers. The Colombian Geological Service initially reported a lower figure but later updated the magnitude. No tsunami warning was issued for Colombia's Pacific coast. After the main quake, several aftershocks were recorded, including one with a magnitude of 5.0.

The highest number of deaths was reported in the Risaralda department, where at least 42 people were killed, the department's governor, Juan Diego Patino, told the Caracol network. In the department's capital, Pereira, buildings collapsed and damage was caused to the airport and hospitals.