Peru: Earthquake leaves at least two dead, 65 injured January 14 /update 1

Event

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked the coast of southern Peru on Sunday, January 14, leaving at least two people dead and 65 others injured. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck approximately 40 km (25 mi) south-southwest of Acarí (Arequipa region) in the Pacific Ocean around 04:18 (local time). The earthquake briefly prompted the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to issue a tsunami warning for Peru's coastal areas; the warning has since been rescinded, and there is no related tsunami warning, watch, and advisory currently in effect.

On Sunday morning, Peruvian authorities reported that the earthquake had left at least two people dead and 65 others injured. Several roads and adobe houses suffered damages and collapsed in Arequipa region due to the earthquake, and power outages were reported in several municipalities. It is currently unclear when such disruptions will abate. Evacuations commenced in Puerto de Lomas (Arequipa region) after an aftershock shook the area on Sunday morning. Additional aftershocks and continued power and transportation disruptions are expected in the affected areas in the coming hours.

Advice

Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, to be prepared for aftershocks, and to heed to any instructions issued by local authorities.

In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows, and to not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.