On August 20 local time, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the Ayacucho Province in southern Peru, with tremors felt in multiple locations including the capital Lima.
Preliminary reports show that at least 22 homes, 6 schools, and 12 medical facilities in Peru were affected by the earthquake. At present, relevant authorities are continuing to assess the damage.
The Peruvian Institute of Geophysics indicated that the quake occurred at 1:00 p.m. local time on the 20th (2:00 a.m. Malaysian time on the 21st), with the epicenter located 35 kilometers north of the city of Coracora in Ayacucho Province, and at a depth of 108 kilometers.
Nevertheless, according to the United States Geological Survey, the magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 6.7, with a focal depth of 99 kilometers.
Peru is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to frequent earthquakes. Just 10 days ago, Peru's neighboring country Colombia also experienced a strong 7.2-magnitude earthquake, resulting in over 300 deaths.