At least 1 fatality, multiple landslides after M6.1 earthquake near Lima, Peru
A strong earthquake registered by the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) as M6.1 hit near the coast of Lima, Peru, at 16:35 UTC (11:35 local time) on June 15, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 49 km (78 miles). USGS is reporting M5.6 at a depth of 53 km (32 miles).
Landslides in Costa Verde, Lima, Peru after M6.1 earthquake on June 15, 2025. Credit: Leshuga
The epicenter was located 24 km (15 miles) WSW of Callao (population 1.3 million) and 29 km (46 miles) SW of Lima (population 7.7 million).
This region lies within the central Peruvian coastal zone, where urban density and infrastructure are among the highest in the country. Both the Jorge Chávez International Airport and Peru’s principal seaport are located within the affected area.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
IGP received numerous felt reports from Lima, Callao, and surrounding districts, consistent with moderate to strong ground shaking across the metropolitan area.
Unfortunately, at least one person has been killed after a wall collapsed in Lima’s Independencia district.
In addition to the reported fatality, local media and authorities noted minor landslides and rockfalls along the Costa Verde coastal highway in Miraflores, with several incidents of falling debris blocking road sections.
Structural damage was reported in parts of Lima, including the partial collapse of a dining area roof at Plaza Norte mall. Public transport services, including portions of the Lima Metro Line 1, were temporarily suspended for safety inspections.
BREAKING: Alert issued across Costa Verde after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Callao, Peru. Residents are urged to stay alert as aftershocks are possible. pic.twitter.com/EUqlmg1ixF
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 15, 2025
Whoahh! The M5.6 earthquake less than an hour ago has triggered landslides on the Costa Verde in Lima, Peru pic.twitter.com/zBNCkP09Xr
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) June 15, 2025
According to the USGS PAGER, 11 006 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking. The agency 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.
Peru is situated along the boundary between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. Earthquakes of this magnitude are capable of causing localized landslides and structural damage, especially in poorly consolidated slopes and older buildings.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.1 earthquake Lima, Peru – IGP – June 15, 2025
2 M5.6 earthquake Lima, Peru – USGS – June 15, 2025
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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