Earthquake Measuring 7.1 on Richter Scale Shakes Peru; 2 Dead, Several Injured

An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale shook and toppled buildings in Peru, leaving at least two persons dead, according to reports.

Lima, Jan 15: An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale shook and toppled buildings in Peru, leaving at least two persons dead, according to reports. Over 50 people were also reported to have been injured while 17 were reported missing after the earthquake struck Peru.

The quake hit 31 km south-southwest of Acari, according to the US Geological Survey. “There are two fatalities in the region of Arequipa and so far 65 injured have been reported,” General Jorge Chavez, head of the National Civil Defense Institute, said as quoted by agencies.

According to reports, a tsunami warning was in place near the epicentre of the quake. While it was initially measured as a 7.3-magnitude earthquake, it was revised to 7.1 by the USGS.

According to CNN, Arequipa Governor Yamila Osorio said on Twitter that a 55-year old man died in the town of Yauca after being crushed by a rock. Peru Civil Defense Institute (INDECI) chief Jorge Chavez told local radio station RPP that a second death was reported in the town of Bella Union.

With inputs from agencies