Strong Earthquake Shakes Peru: Magnitude, Epicenter and Affected Areas
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake according to Peru's Geophysical Institute (IGP) — and 6.7 according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) — shook several regions of central and southern Peru on Thursday, August 20, 2026, triggering panic and the self-evacuation of hundreds of people across the country.
The tremor struck at 1:00 PM local time (2:00 PM in Argentina) with its epicenter located 35 kilometers north of the city of Coracora, in the province of Parinacochas, department of Ayacucho. According to the IGP, the earthquake had a depth of 108 kilometers and reached a maximum intensity of III-IV in Coracora, meaning it was clearly felt but without major damage in that locality.
The quake was strongly felt in the regions of Ica, Arequipa, Cusco, Lima and Apurímac, among others. On social media, dozens of videos began circulating showing people evacuating buildings, schools and homes, as well as mountains shaking and rocks dislodging in high-altitude areas.
Material Damage and Official Assessment
The mayor of Parinacochas, Yony Reyes, reported that no tragic events occurred in the city of Coracora, but that authorities are activated in a multisectoral manner to prepare corresponding reports. “Right now, the multisectoral commission is moving to each point, institution, and town, gathering information and reports through agents, lieutenants, governors, medical post directors and school principals,” he stated.
The head of Civil Defense, Luis Vásquez, told local radio RPP that “at the moment no damage of any kind is reported.” However, the head of the IGP, Hernando Tavera, warned that it is still being evaluated whether the earthquake caused “structural damage” in the Coracora area. “This is a seismic event that generated high levels of shaking. We still need to see if there was any structural damage or any type of landslide in highway areas,” he explained.
Hours after the main quake, the region shook again with a 4.2 magnitude aftershock recorded north of Coracora at 4:30 PM, with a depth of 108 kilometers and intensity III in Coracora, according to the IGP.
A Journalist's Brave Reaction During Live Broadcast
One of the most striking moments of the earthquake was the reaction of journalist Katyusca Torres Aybar from local radio station Exitosa, who was broadcasting from the sixth floor of a building when the earthquake struck. Despite cameras starting to shake, Torres Aybar held her ground and spoke to citizens: “We ask the population to remain calm. We know this has already happened during the week.”
The journalist even showed an emergency backpack she had on hand and explained the protocol residents should follow during a tremor. Meanwhile, two guests in the studio passed in front of the camera to exit the premises. “We understand that guests are leaving to safeguard their integrity. It's still lasting, we feel this movement. Experience should show us that we need to stay calm,” she added.
No Tsunami Alert and Call for Calm
The Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of the Peruvian Navy ruled out that the earthquake could cause a tsunami, so no alert was issued for coastal populations. The IGP, for its part, asked the public not to pay attention to false versions circulating on social media and reminded that earthquakes cannot be predicted by any available scientific method.
The mayor of Parinacochas urged regional and national authorities to activate support levels, since “houses are generally made of adobe and corrugated metal and are susceptible to this type of serious event.”
Context: Peru, on the Pacific Ring of Fire
Peru is located in one of the most seismically active regions on the planet due to its position on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where different tectonic plates interact. The most destructive earthquake of recent decades occurred in 2007, when a 7.9 magnitude quake mainly affected the Ica region and left nearly 600 dead.
The head of the IGP, Hernando Tavera, had warned on Wednesday that “we always need to be prepared. We are a seismic country. From science, we have no control over nature.”
Public Acknowledges Lack of Preparedness
After the earthquake, Exitosa Noticias took to the streets of Chorrillos to gauge the response of passersby. Several admitted that preparation is still lacking, although some claimed to have emergency backpacks and identified safe zones. “As Peruvians, we are not yet prepared for a high-magnitude earthquake,” one citizen said. Another recalled: “I went through the 1970 earthquake, when I was sixteen years old. Many people died. We are definitely not prepared.”
An elderly woman from Surco said her house is “well reinforced” and highlighted the importance of actively participating in multi-hazard drills: “Many people don't take it seriously. These exercises allow you to know in advance where you'll go, what you'll do, and all that.”