Peru: Magnitude-5.6 earthquake occurs in eastern Tacna Department July 12

A magnitude-5.6 earthquake occurred in the far eastern portion of Tacna Department, Peru, at around 13:19 July 12. The epicenter was about 57 km (35 miles) east of Tarata, Tacna Department. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 163 km (101 miles), and light-to-moderate shaking was probably felt throughout Tacna and Moquegua departments as well as eastern Arequipa and southern Puno departments; in Bolivia in southeastern La Paz Department and northeastern Oruro Department; and in Chile throughout Arica Region and in northern Tarapaca Region. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; some minor damage is possible in areas close to the epicenter. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light-to-moderate 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.