A strong 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the coast of southern Peru (Arequipa region) on Sunday morning causing damage to 168 homes, National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) head Jorge Chavez informed on Monday.
According to Indeci's latest report, 780 families were affected by the quake and 168 houses collapsed.
So far, the strong earthquake has left one dead, 104 injured and several roads damaged.
Statements were made during a press conference led by Prime Minister Mercedes Araoz at the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) facilities in Lima.
According to Peru's Geophysical Institute (IGP), the quake struck the coast of Arequipa Sunday at 4:18 AM.
The epicenter was 56 km south of Lomas town in Arequipa at a depth of 48 km.
It must be noted Peru lies in the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire," an area in the Pacific Ocean prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
(END) MAO/JAA/MVB