A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck central Peru on Saturday, a day after a powerful tremor off southern Mexico prompted a temporary tsunami warning across parts of the Pacific coast.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 22 kilometres.
Peru’s Geophysical Institute recorded the same event at magnitude 5.1 and placed its epicentre seven kilometres south of Chupaca, in the central Junín region, at a depth of 24 kilometres.
Differences between preliminary readings from seismic agencies are common because they use separate monitoring networks and calculation methods.
There were no immediate official reports of casualties or major damage following the tremor.
Powerful earthquake strikes southern Mexico
The earthquake in Peru came a day after a magnitude 7.3 tremor struck near Mexico’s border with Guatemala.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake’s epicentre was near the coastal town of Puerto Madero in the Mexican state of Chiapas. It occurred at a depth of about 15 kilometres and was felt across southern Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Authorities reported no deaths or major structural damage. Buildings were evacuated in several areas as the prolonged shaking prompted residents to move into the streets.
Several aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.7 to 6.0 were subsequently recorded.
Tsunami warning later lifted
The earthquake initially triggered a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Mexico and Guatemala.
Mexico’s navy advised residents to stay away from beaches while authorities monitored possible changes in sea level.
Small waves of up to 0.3 metres above tide level were later recorded near Puerto Madero in Chiapas.
The warning was eventually lifted after officials determined that the risk of dangerous waves had passed. Authorities nevertheless urged coastal communities to remain cautious and follow official safety guidance.
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