Powerful 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Coastal Peru Near Chimbote
A powerful earthquake shook northern coastal Peru late Saturday night, and it was one of those moments many people won’t forget anytime soon. A very strong magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the South Pacific Ocean, about 44 kilometers west of the city of Chimbote in the Ancash region, at 9:51 pm local time on December 27. Even though the epicenter was offshore, the shaking was widely felt across large parts of the country.
The quake occurred at a depth of around 66 kilometers, which is considered relatively shallow. Because of that, the shaking was felt more strongly near the coast than a deeper earthquake of similar size would have been. Reports quickly came in from residents in Chimbote, Puerto Santa, Coishco, and nearby towns, where moderate to strong shaking was experienced. People described loud rumbling, windows rattling, and furniture moving, with some items falling off shelves in the hardest-hit areas.
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As the minutes passed, seismic agencies around the world updated their data. The magnitude was initially reported slightly lower, but it was later revised upward to 6.2 as more information became available from international monitoring centers, including the US Geological Survey. The epicenter location and depth were also adjusted several times as readings from dozens of seismic stations were analyzed.
What stood out was just how far the quake was felt. According to preliminary estimates, shaking may have been noticed by more than 3.7 million people across Peru. In cities like Trujillo, about 90 kilometers away, residents reported light to moderate shaking. Even in Lima, the capital, more than 400 kilometers from the epicenter, people felt weak but noticeable movement, with beds vibrating and hanging objects swaying for several seconds.
Despite the intensity and wide reach, the overall impact is believed to be limited. The earthquake was given a Green alert level, meaning the risk of fatalities and serious damage was considered low. Minor damage, such as cracks in walls or fallen objects, may have occurred near the epicenter, but large-scale destruction was not expected. Economic losses were also estimated to be minimal.
Still, the event served as a reminder of Peru’s seismic history and vulnerability. The country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where powerful earthquakes are a constant threat. For many residents, this late-night jolt was a sobering experience, reinforcing the importance of preparedness, even when the worst outcomes are thankfully avoided.
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