Following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit the western coast of central Japan on Monday, it is worth remembering that Lima is the area with the most significant accumulation of seismic energy in Peru, which will only be released by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake.
This information was provided by the
Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), through its
Seismic Coupling Map, which shows the areas of the country where "deformation" is accumulating and where, in the future, energy will be released by earthquakes of great magnitude.
In this regard,
IGP Chief Hernando Tavera, stated that deformation has been accumulating for more than 275 years on the central coast of Peru, which includes Lima.
In an interview with
Andina news agency, Tavera noted that
not only the coast of Lima will be affected by large earthquakes. Ancash, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna are also at risk.
"Peru is a highly seismic country, and we have to understand that earthquakes do not stop during a pandemic, they simply happen when they have to happen; so, we must always be prepared," he said.
Seismic coupling, he explained, occurs when tectonic plates (Nazca and Continental) cannot move normally and produce bulges that, over time, try to free themselves in some way, causing tremors of different proportions.
"Coupling occurs and bulges are formed when the tectonic plates find it difficult to move and begin to deform and retreat," Tavera explained.
"So, a greater force is required to overcome this resistance, and that is when major earthquakes occur," he added.
According to the expert, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake is expected in Lima, due to the seismic quiet period since 1746, when about 10% of the population lost their lives after a powerful earthquake.
In the case of Ica and Arequipa, the magnitude of eventual earthquakes would be close to 8.
(END) ICI/RRC/LIT/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/2/2024