Strong M6.2 earthquake hits near the coast of northern Peru
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 struck near the coast of northern Peru at 02:51 UTC on December 28, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 66.4 km (41.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 66 km (41 miles).
The epicenter was located 36 km (22 miles) W of Puerto Santa (population 14 060), 40 km (25 miles) W of Coishco (population 15 080), and 94 km (59 miles) S of Trujillo (population 919 900), Peru.
1 953 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking, 702 000 moderate, and 1 017 000 weak.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
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
References:
1 M6.2 earthquake near the coast of northern Peru — USGS — December 28, 2025
2 M6.2 earthquake near the coast of northern Peru — EMSC — December 28, 2025
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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