Peru Shaken by "Strong" 6.5 Quake, Tsunami Warning Issued
The US Geological Survey reported the quake was of a 6.5 magnitude at a depth of 33km.
"Some light damage to houses in Pisco has been reported but there are no deaths or injuries," institute director Hernando Tavera said. The quake could also be felt in the capital Lima and the city of Camana.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre cautioned that people along coasts within 100km of the epicentre should be aware of the threat of a local tsunami, although there was no threat of a Pacific-wide tsunami.
"There is a very small risk of a destructive local tsnuami but we are continuing to monitor sea levels," said Stuart Weinstein, deputy director of the Hawaii-based centre.
"Earthquakes of this size sometimes generate tsunamis that can be destructive along coasts located within 100km of the earthquake epicentre," the warning center said on its website.
Quakes are common in Peru and the last strong quake to hit the South American country took place in September 2005 in the northern jungle. The 7.5 magnitude quake killed several people and left many homeless.
Region: Near Coast of Central Peru
Geographic coordinates: 13.427S, 76.572W
Magnitude: 6.5 Mw
Depth: 33 km
Universal Time (UTC): 20 Oct 2006 10:48:57
Time near the Epicenter: 20 Oct 2006 05:48:57
Location with respect to nearby cities:
48 km (30 miles) W (273 degrees) of Chincha Alta, Peru
107 km (67 miles) NW (309 degrees) of Ica, Peru
156 km (97 miles) SSE (161 degrees) of LIMA, Peru