A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck southern Peru on Thursday, sending tremors across several areas, including Ica and Arequipa. No casualties or major damage were reported in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.

The earthquake occurred at around 1 pm local time on August 20, corresponding to approximately 11:30 pm IST. Its epicentre was located about 38 kilometres northwest of Upahuacho, in the Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region.

According to the information available, the earthquake originated at a depth of around 66.7 kilometres.

Tremors Felt Across Southern Peru

The earthquake was felt across parts of southern Peru, prompting residents in some areas to leave buildings and move into open spaces.

Reports and visuals from the region showed people gathering outside following the tremors. Areas around the Andes also witnessed falling rocks and dust after the earthquake.

Although the shaking was strong enough to be felt across a wide area, there were no immediate reports of significant structural damage or deaths.

Authorities and local communities continued to assess the situation following the earthquake.

Earthquake Hit Andes Region

The epicentre was situated in the Ayacucho region, close to the Andes mountain range. The relatively deep focus of the earthquake, at about 66.7 kilometres, meant that its effects were felt over a broader area.

Images from Pausa and surrounding locations showed dust in the air following the tremors. Rockfalls were also reported from mountainous areas.

Residents in affected areas were urged to remain cautious, particularly around damaged structures and steep mountain slopes where secondary rockfalls could occur.

Peru Lies On Pacific Ring Of Fire

Peru is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean that is highly active tectonically.

The region experiences frequent earthquakes because of the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. Peru has witnessed several powerful earthquakes in the past, including a devastating quake in the Ica region.

In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck southern Peru, killing nearly 600 people and causing widespread destruction.

The latest earthquake was considerably weaker than the 2007 event, and no comparable destruction was reported immediately after Thursday's tremors.

Recent Earthquakes In South America

Several strong earthquakes have also been reported in South America during 2026.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Venezuela on June 24, while a magnitude 7.0 earthquake was reported in Colombia on August 10.

The latest earthquake in Peru once again highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic activity because of its location along one of the world's most active tectonic zones.

Officials and residents remained alert for possible aftershocks following the main earthquake.

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Manipur in the early hours of Tuesday, sending tremors across parts of the Northeast. According to officials, the quake occurred at 5:59 am IST, catching residents off guard as many rushed out of their homes in fear.

Epicentre and Depth

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the epicentre was located in Kamjong district of Manipur. The earthquake originated at a depth of 62 kilometres beneath the surface, which likely reduced the intensity of surface damage despite being widely felt.

Tremors Across Region

Apart from Manipur, tremors were reported in neighbouring states including Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya. Residents in several towns said the shaking lasted for a few seconds but was strong enough to prompt evacuation from homes and buildings.

No Major Damage Yet

Authorities have not reported any immediate loss of life or significant property damage. Local administration teams remain on alert, and assessments are underway to determine if remote or vulnerable areas have suffered any impact.

Panic Among Residents

Eyewitness accounts suggested widespread panic, especially in urban centres. Many people stepped out into open spaces as a precaution. Schools and offices were yet to report any disruption, but the sudden tremor created anxiety among residents.

Ongoing State Tensions

The earthquake comes amid ongoing unrest in Manipur, where law and order issues continue to disrupt normal life. Recent incidents of violence, protests and shutdowns have already strained public services in both valley and hill districts.

Protests and Shutdowns

Earlier this month, multiple organisations had called for shutdowns in protest against killings and violence in the state. Several districts witnessed closures of schools, markets and public transport, affecting daily life across the region.

Security Concerns Rise

Officials said security forces remain deployed in sensitive areas following recent violent incidents. Protests in Imphal and surrounding regions have occasionally turned tense, adding to concerns about public safety and governance challenges.

Monitoring and Preparedness

Disaster management authorities are closely monitoring the situation after the Manipur earthquake. Experts note that the Northeast falls under a high seismic zone, making such tremors relatively frequent.

What Lies Ahead

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety protocols in case of aftershocks. As per latest inputs, no aftershocks have been reported so far.