A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck at 12:57 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Its epicenter was located 41 kilometers south of the city of Ica, in the region of the same name, the National Seismological Center of Peru's Geophysical Institute (IGP) has reported.
The earthquake reached a depth of 81 kilometers. It was felt with an intensity of VI in Ica, according to the IGP's official report.
The tremor was also felt in several districts across Metropolitan Lima and other localities along Peru's central coast.
Following the earthquake, social media users reported that the tremor was moderate and caused brief alarm at homes, offices, and shopping centers, mainly in Lima and Ica.
So far, authorities have not reported any casualties or material damage.
However, the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) recommended remaining calm and reviewing evacuation routes in case of possible aftershocks.
The IGP reminded citizens that Peru is located along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area where approximately 85% of the world's seismic activity is recorded.
Seismic silence
Lima has experienced a seismic silence lasting 280 years and is not free from the risk of a major earthquake.
Along Peru's central coast, the Nazca and South American tectonic plates periodically collide, generating high seismic activity, IGP Chief Hernando Tavera indicated.
"That frequency of earthquakes has allowed us to conduct research and reach the conclusion that there is a possibility that a high-magnitude earthquake could occur at some point off the coast of Lima. That is why, during drills, we simulate earthquakes of magnitude 8.8," he told Andina News Agency.
Tavera recalled that the largest earthquake ever recorded along Peru's central coast occurred in 1746, with a magnitude ranging between 8.8 and 9.0. He added that no other high-magnitude quake has struck the area since then.
Therefore, there have been 280 years of accumulated energy that will only be released by an earthquake exceeding magnitude 8.0.
The specialist warned that a quick look at how homes are built in Lima provides an idea of what could happen in the event of a strong earthquake hitting the capital.
"When an earthquake occurs, the ground shakes at different levels of intensity; if homes are not capable of withstanding it, they may collapse,” he warned.
(END) RRC/MVB
Published: 5/19/2026