Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits near the coast of southern Peru

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit near the coast of southern Peru at 14:47 UTC on June 16, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 19.9 km (12.3 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles).

The epicenter was located 23.3 km (14.5 miles) SW of Atiquipa (population 137), 90.9 km (56.5 miles) SE of San Juan (population 12 795), 99.7 km (62 miles) SE of Minas de Marcona (population 15 470), and 128.5 km (79.8 miles) SSE of Nazca (population 23 556), Peru.

13 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 12 000 moderate, and 178 000 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 landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google