The previous week's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Peru

Last week, on Friday 28^th of June, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southern coast of Peru. The epicenter of the quake was 8km west of Atiquipa, approximately 600km south of the capital, Lima while the depth was at 28km according to the USGS. Moreover, according to officials at least 8 people were injured and received medical treatment at local hospitals. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

Eyewitnesses at Atiquipa, near the epicenter, reported that the tremors were so severe that shook their beds. In addition, despite of the massive earthquake and the initial alert that had been issued for tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters along the coastal areas in Peru, no tsunami followed the incident, and later the warning was cancelled.

As of present, no extensive damages have been reported after the incident. However, Prime Minister of Peru, Gustavo Adrianzen stated that they will monitor and investigate the impact of the earthquake on the infrastructure of the country to assess the potential damage.

It should be noted that Peru alongside with most of the South American Pacific Coast, lies on the boundary of the South American plate and the Nazca plate, which extends across the Pacific along much of the coast and hence it frequently experiences earthquakes.