A powerful earthquake struck Peru at about 1 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 21, 2026, triggering precautionary alarms in several regions. The United States Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 6.7, while Peru’s Geophysical Institute reported a magnitude of 7.2. Its focus was about 108 kilometres below the surface.

No immediate casualties were reported, and Peruvian authorities and disaster-risk management agencies did not report major infrastructure damage. Tremors were clearly felt across broad areas of southern and central Peru. Seismologists said the quake’s considerable depth absorbed a significant share of its energy before it reached the surface.

Near the epicentre, shaking registered between three and four on the Mercalli scale, described as light to moderate. Peru has recently experienced a series of earthquakes in its northern and southern areas. The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes occur frequently. In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake in the Ica region killed about 600 people.