Massive 6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Peru: at least 40 people injured

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hited Peru, near Sullana, Provincia de Sullana, Piura, around noon on Friday 30 July 2021 at 12:10 pm local time, as the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported. Shallow earthquakes are felt more strongly than deeper ones as they are closer to the surface.

Moderate shaking probably occurred in Sullana (pop. 160,800) located 15 km from the epicenter, Querecotillo (pop. 25,400) 16 km away, Marcavelica (pop. 25,600) 18 km away, Tambo Grande (pop. 30,000) 24 km away, Piura (pop. 325,500) 28 km away, San Martin (pop. 130,000) 29 km away, Catacaos (pop. 57,300) 38 km away, and Chulucanas (pop. 68,800) 47 km away.

In those areas, dangerous ground shaking occurred with the potential to inflict moderate to heavy damage to buildings and other infrastructure.

The earthquake has damaged many buildings including and a 16th-century cathedral and caused the injure of dozens of people.

Reports said that at least 40 people were injured, with a pregnant woman among of them, after walls collapsed at city’s hospital.

Peru's civil defense agency said 187 homes were damaged and six were left uninhabitable.

Peru's Pacific coast often suffers severe earthquakes. Lying on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the coastal region is an area marked by seismic upheaval, with some 128 volcanoes still active.