A magnitude-5.0 earthquake, with an epicenter in Chilca province, shook the city of Lima on Monday at 10:18 a.m. (local time). There are no reports of casualties or material damage so far.
The epicenter was located 40 kilometers west of Chilca, Cañete province, south of Lima Metropolitan Area.
Accumulated Energy
IGP Chief Hernando Tavera recalled that the
largest earthquake recorded on Peru's central coast occurred in 1746, with a magnitude between 8.8 and 9, and that no other major quake has occurred since.
As a result, 279 years of accumulated energy (seismic silence) will only be released by an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher.
Tavera warned that a quick look at how houses in Lima are built gives an idea of what could happen in the event of a strong quake in the Peruvian capital.
"When an earthquake occurs, the ground shakes in different directions and at varying intensities. If houses are unable to withstand it, they may collapse," he stated.
(END) RRC/MVB
Published: 3/3/2025