A Strong Earthquake Sparks Fear Across Peru
An earthquake of magnitude 7.2 (according to the Geophysical Institute of Peru – IGP) shook the central-southern part of the country this Thursday, August 20, 2026, causing panic and the self-evacuation of hundreds of people in several regions. The tremor occurred at 1:00 PM local time (2:00 PM in Argentina) with its epicenter located 35 kilometers north of the town of Coracora, in the province of Parinacochas, department of Ayacucho.
The IGP reported a depth of 108 kilometers and an intensity of III-IV in the epicentral zone, meaning it was clearly felt but had low destructive potential. Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially recorded a magnitude of 6.7, later adjusting its measurements—a common discrepancy among different seismological agencies.
Where Was It Felt?
Due to its long duration of nearly one minute, the tremor was felt throughout Peru's southern region, affecting the provinces of Arequipa, Ica, Cusco, and Apurímac. In Lima, the capital, the movement was perceived as a rolling motion, especially alarming residents in upper floors of buildings.
According to the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN), the earthquake was felt strongly in the districts of Coracora, Chumpi, Coronel Castañeda, Pacapausa, Pullo, Puyusca, San Francisco de Ravavayco, and Upahuacho (Parinacochas), as well as in Nazca (Ica). It had a light impact in several areas of Apurímac and Moquegua.
Damage and Reactions
Local authorities confirmed that, so far, there have been no fatalities or major damage. However, two people were injured while evacuating their homes in the capital of Parinacochas. Additionally, damage was reported to 22 homes, six health centers, and one school in various districts of Ayacucho and Cusco.
Landslides and rockfalls were also recorded on hillsides in Ayacucho, generating dust clouds and preventive evacuations in vulnerable areas. IGP Director Hernando Tavera explained that the depth of the event attenuated its surface impact and warned that “road blockages are possible.”
No Tsunami Alert
The Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of Peru confirmed that the characteristics of the earthquake do not generate a tsunami alert for the coastline. Likewise, Chile also ruled out the possibility of a tsunami on its coasts following the quake.
The IGP urged the public not to pay attention to false information circulating on social media and reminded that earthquakes cannot be predicted by any currently available scientific method.
Seismic Context in the Region
Peru lies along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most tectonically active regions on Earth. In 2026 alone, the country has already recorded a total of 569 earthquakes of varying magnitudes.
One of the most destructive earthquakes in recent decades occurred in 2007, when a magnitude 7.9 quake struck the Ica region, killing nearly 600 people. More recently, about a month ago, six people died and dozens were injured in a magnitude 5.1 earthquake in central Peru, at a depth of 24 kilometers.
This new quake follows two powerful earthquakes in the last two months—one in Colombia (magnitude 7.4, over 300 deaths) and another in Venezuela—which left thousands of victims. Peruvian authorities recommend keeping an emergency kit ready, staying calm, and moving away from windows and objects that could fall during an evacuation.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 7.2 (IGP) / 6.7 (USGS) |
| Date & Time | August 20, 2026 – 1:00 PM local |
| Epicenter | 35 km north of Coracora, Ayacucho |
| Depth | 108 km |
| Intensity | III-IV (IGP scale) |
| Felt in | Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Cusco, Apurímac |
| Damage | 22 homes, 6 health centers, 1 school |
| Injuries | 2 (minor) |
| Tsunami | No alert issued |