Peru: Initial reports of damage, landslides, and injuries after magnitude-7.2 offshore earthquake off Arequipa Region early June 28 /update 3

Initial damage assessments have reported damage to buildings, landslides, and some injuries following a magnitude-7.2 offshore earthquake that occurred off southern Peru at around 00:36 June 28. The epicenter was about 8 km (5 miles) west of Atiquipa. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 28 km (17 miles), and severe to strong shaking was probably felt near the epicenter in the western Arequipa Region, with strong-to-moderate shaking probably felt in the rest of Arequipa and neighboring Ica regions. Light shaking was probably felt throughout many other parts of southern Peru. Authorities initially issued tsunami warnings for coastal areas of Peru and Chile following the earthquake but these warnings have since been rescinded. Minor tsunami waves of 40 cm (16 inches) and 27 cm (11 inches) were recorded at the ports of Chala and San Juan.

Early reports have confirmed damage to some buildings in parts of Arequipa Region's Caraveli Province, including the Jaqui and Yauca districts. Authorities have reported at least three people were treated for injuries in Caraveli Province and at least five others in neighboring Nasca Province in the Ica Region. Landslides have been reported in parts of the Arequipa Region, including Urasqui and Secocha, and Ayacucho Region; however, officials have confirmed that the Pan-American Highway Sur is clear. Schools have been closed across Caraveli Province on June 28 due to the ongoing response to the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas and due to the early morning hours in which response operations are taking place. At least four aftershocks greater than magnitude 4.0 have been felt in the region since the original tremor; further aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.