Very strong M7.2 earthquake hits southern Peru
A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.2 hit southern Peru at 12:02 UTC on May 26, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 217.8 km (135 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.2 at a depth of 211 km (131 miles).
The epicenter was located about 13.1 km (8.1 miles) WNW of Azangaro (population 13 290), 30.3 km (18.8 miles) E of Ayaviri (population 19 310), and 73.4 km (45.6 miles) NNW of Juliaca (population 245 675), Peru.
Some 800 000 people are living within 100 km (62 miles).
24 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 1 548 000 moderate, and 8 000 000 light.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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