At least eight people have been killed and five others injured by 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck late Saturday the Peruvian southern region of Cusco, Peru’s National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) reported.
"Eight people are confirmed dead, including four minors. Two injured have been evacuated to Cusco city and four are being treated in Paruro province,” said Alfredo Murgueytio, Indeci’s head.
According to Peru's Geophysical Institute, or IGP, the tremor occurred at 21:35 local time (02:35 GMT on Sunday) and was centered 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) southwest of Paruro.
The event was measured at a depth of 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) and the shaking intensity as described on the Modified Mercalli intensity scale reached III-II in Cusco city, IV in Rondocán and up to VI in Misca town (Paruro).
About 90 percent of the houses in Misca collapsed and one road is blocked. Measures are being taken and action is being coordinated with Cusco’s regional government to clear the area.
So far, Indeci has provided the population with food, blankets, and basic necessities.
Peru lies in the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire”, which is the site of 85 percent of global seismic activity caused by friction between shifting tectonic plates.
(END) SMA/ASH/RMB
Published: 9/28/2014