Overview
- The quake, which struck on Tuesday, May 19, had an epicenter about 41 km south of Ica and a depth near 81 km, and was felt strongly in Ica and in parts of Lima and the southern coast.
- Preliminary reports describe damage to homes, universities, banks and the Cathedral of Ica, with official injury counts still evolving between roughly 11 and 27 people as agencies reconcile figures.
- The Navy reported no tsunami risk for the Peruvian coast and emergency teams from INDECI, COEN and the Ministry of Defense mobilized to assess and respond to affected areas.
- Aftershocks have followed the main event, including a 3.6 magnitude tremor recorded on Wednesday morning, May 20, and authorities have kept inspections and preparedness messaging active.
- Peru’s placement on the Pacific Ring of Fire and the quake’s intermediate depth help explain intense local shaking and damage to older or vulnerable structures, prompting calls for safety checks and participation in a national drill scheduled for May 29.