10:34 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Sep. 14.
A major quake measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale hit Andean southern region of Arequipa on Friday morning, Peru's Geophysical Institute (IGP) reported.
The seismic event took place at 6:20 AM (local time).
The epicenter was located about 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) northeast of Yura locality in Arequipa province.
Seismologists said the quake struck at a depth of 122 kilometers (75.8 miles), with intensity II-III in the epicenter.
Shaking was also felt in Arequipa city, causing alarm among the population.
According to IGP, a 4.5 magnitude event was reported at 4:08 AM (local time) and had a depth of 78 Kilometers (48.4 miles) in Arequipa.
The tremor's epicenter was located 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) northeast of Vitor locality in Arequipa province. The movement was felt with intensity II-III in Vitor.
National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) officers are currently monitoring the affected vulnerable areas.
On the other hand, the Civil Defense Regional Office informed there have been no reports of significant property damage or injuries so far.
Nonetheless, both shocks caused rock slides on the Panamericana Sur highway, forcing a vehicle to perform a risky maneuver. The three passengers sustained minor injuries.
It should be noted Peru lies in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for seismic upheavals and volcanic eruptions.
(END) MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/14/2018