Earthquakes in Peru
Encyclopedia
Nazca Plate
]The Nazca Plate, named after the Nazca region of southern Peru, is an oceanic tectonic plate in the eastern Pacific Ocean basin off the west coast of South America. The ongoing subduction along the Peru-Chile Trench of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate is largely responsible for the...
and South American
South American Plate
The South American Plate is a continental tectonic plate which includes the continent of South America and also a sizeable region of the Atlantic Ocean seabed extending eastward to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge....
tectonic plates is located near the Peruvian coast. These plates are converging at a rate of 78 mm (3.1 in) per year. Thus, earthquakes occur as thrust fault
Thrust fault
A thrust fault is a type of fault, or break in the Earth's crust across which there has been relative movement, in which rocks of lower stratigraphic position are pushed up and over higher strata. They are often recognized because they place older rocks above younger...
ing on the interface between the two plates, with the South American Plate moving towards the sea over the Nazca Plate. The same process has caused the rise of the Andes
Andes
The Andes is the world's longest continental mountain range. It is a continual range of highlands along the western coast of South America. This range is about long, about to wide , and of an average height of about .Along its length, the Andes is split into several ranges, which are separated...
mountain range and the creation of the Peru-Chile Trench
Peru-Chile Trench
The Peru-Chile Trench, also known as the Atacama Trench, is an oceanic trench in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 160 kilometres off the coast of Peru and Chile...
as well as volcanism in the Peruvian highlands.
Notable earthquakes in Peruvian history include the following:
| Date | Epicentre | M | Notes | Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1586 | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| 1604 | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| 14 February 1619 | 7.4°S 80.54°W La Libertad Region La Libertad Region La Libertad is a region in northwestern Peru. Formerly it was known as the 'Department of La Libertad" , a political division that generally corresponds to a state in the United States of America... , Lambayeque Region Lambayeque Region Lambayeque is a region in northwestern Peru known for its rich Moche and Chimú historical past. The region's name originates from the ancient pre-Inca civilization of the Lambayeque.-Etymology:... , Piura Region Piura Region Piura is a coastal region in northwestern Peru. The region's capital is Piura and its largest port cities, Paita and Talara, are also among the most important in Peru... |
8.6 | 7,364 | |
| 1687 | 15.2°S 75.9°W Seabed off Ica Region Ica Region Ica is a region in Peru. It borders the Pacific Ocean on the west; the Lima Region on the north; the Huancavelica and Ayacucho regions on the east; and the Arequipa Region on the south. Its capital is the city of Ica.- Geography :... |
8.7 | See 1687 Peru earthquake 1687 Peru earthquake The 1687 Peru earthquake occurred at 11:30 UTC on October 20. It had an estimated magnitude of 8.4–8.7 and caused severe damage to Lima, Callao and Ica. It triggered a tsunami and overall about 5,000 people died.-Tectonic setting:... |
5,000 |
| 6 January 1725 | 8.10°S 79.49°W La Libertad Region La Libertad Region La Libertad is a region in northwestern Peru. Formerly it was known as the 'Department of La Libertad" , a political division that generally corresponds to a state in the United States of America... |
7.6 | 5,000 | |
| 28 October 1746 | 11.35°S 77.28°W Lima Region Lima Region Lima Region, also known as Lima Provincias, is one of twenty-five regions of Peru. Located in the central coast of the country, its regional seat is Huacho.... , Callao Region |
8.7 | See 1746 Lima-Callao earthquake 1746 Lima-Callao earthquake The 1746 Lima-Callao earthquake occurred at 22:30 local time on 28 October . The epicenter was located about 90 km north-northwest from Lima. It caused almost complete destruction of the capital Lima and the subsequent tsunami devastated the port city of Callao... |
ca. 6,000 |
| 1865 | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| 13 August 1868 | 18°30′S 70.35°0′W Tacna Region Tacna Region Tacna is the southernmost region in Peru. Its name originates from the Quechua words taka and na , which would mean "a place to hit". This expression is thought to be related to the Quechua conquest of the Aymara people... , Arica Arica Arica is a city in northern Chile. "Arica" may also refer to:Places* Arica and Parinacota Region, Chile* Arica Airport , Chile* Arica, Amazonas, town in Colombia* Rio Aricá-açu, tributary of the Cuiabá River south of Cuiabá, BrazilOther... |
9.0 | See 1868 Arica earthquake 1868 Arica earthquake The 1868 Arica earthquake was an earthquake that occurred on August 13, 1868, near Arica, then part of Peru, now part of Chile, at 21:30 UTC. It had an estimated magnitude between 8.5 and 9.0... |
25,000 |
| 4 November 1913 | 13.54°S 73.9°W Apurímac Region Apurímac Region Apurímac is a region in southern-central Peru. It is bordered on the east by the Cusco Region, on the west by the Ayacucho Region, and on the south by the Arequipa and Ayacucho regions... |
6.5 | 253 | |
| 2 December 1914 | 15.23°S 73.35°W Ayacucho Region Ayacucho Region Ayacucho is a region of Peru, located in the south-central Andes of the country. Its capital is the city of Ayacucho. The region was one of the hardest hit by terrorism during the 1980s during the guerrilla war waged by Shining Path known as the internal conflict in Peru.A referendum was held on... |
6.7 | 400 | |
| 21 May 1917 | 15.33°S 73.27°W Arequipa Region Arequipa Region Arequipa is a region in southwestern Peru. It is bordered by the Ica, Ayacucho, Apurímac and Cusco regions on the north; the Puno Region on the east; the Moquegua Region on the south; and the Pacific Ocean on the west... |
6.1 | 32 | |
| 14 May 1928 | 6.8°S 78.51°W Cajamarca Region Cajamarca Region Cajamarca is a region in Peru. The capital is the city of Cajamarca. It is located in the north part of the country and shares a border with Ecuador... , Amazonas Region Amazonas Region Amazonas is a department of northern Peru bordered by Ecuador on the north and west, Cajamarca Department on the west, La Libertad Department on the south, and Loreto Department and San Martín Department on the east. Its capital is the city of Chachapoyas.... |
7.6 | See 1928 Chachapoyas earthquake 1928 Chachapoyas earthquake The 1928 Chachapoyas earthquake occurred on May 14, 1928 at 17:14 local time . It had a magnitude of Mw 7.2, Ms 7.3, or ML 7.3. Chachapoyas, Peru was almost completely destroyed. A landslide in Pinpincos caused the death of 25 people. Many houses were damaged in Machala, Ecuador. The maximum... |
1,928 |
| 24 December 1937 | 10.10°S 74.51°W Pasco Region Pasco Region Pasco is a region in central Peru. Its capital is Cerro de Pasco.-Political division:The region is divided into 3 provinces , which are composed of 28 districts .-Provinces:... |
6.8 | 194 | |
| 24 May 1940 | 11.22°S 77.79°W Lima Region Lima Region Lima Region, also known as Lima Provincias, is one of twenty-five regions of Peru. Located in the central coast of the country, its regional seat is Huacho.... , Callao Region |
7.3 | 562 | |
| 24 August 1942 | 15.20°S 75.3°W Ica Region Ica Region Ica is a region in Peru. It borders the Pacific Ocean on the west; the Lima Region on the north; the Huancavelica and Ayacucho regions on the east; and the Arequipa Region on the south. Its capital is the city of Ica.- Geography :... |
7.5 | 40 | |
| 30 January 1943 | 14.7°S 71.36°W Cuzco Region |
6.5 | 252 | |
| 10 November 1946 | 8.20°S 77.50°W Ancash Region Ancash Region Ancash is a region in northern Peru. It is bordered by the La Libertad region on the north, the Huánuco and Pasco regions on the east, the Lima region on the south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Its capital is the city of Huaraz, and its largest city and port is Chimbote... |
7.3 | 2,400 | |
| 1 November 1947 | 11.13°S 74.10°W Junin Region Junín Region Junín is a region in the central highlands and westernmost Amazonia of Peru. Its capital is Huancayo.-Geography:The region has a very heterogeneous topography. The western cordillera located near the border with the Lima Region, has snowy and ice covered peaks. On the east, there are high glacier... |
7.6 | 1,242 | |
| 21 May 1950 | 13.33°S 71.41°W Cuzco Region |
7.0 | 1,625 | |
| 15 January 1958 | 16.50°S 72.00°W Arequipa Region Arequipa Region Arequipa is a region in southwestern Peru. It is bordered by the Ica, Ayacucho, Apurímac and Cusco regions on the north; the Puno Region on the east; the Moquegua Region on the south; and the Pacific Ocean on the west... |
7.0 | 69 | |
| 13 January 1960 | 16.14°S 72.14°W Arequipa Region Arequipa Region Arequipa is a region in southwestern Peru. It is bordered by the Ica, Ayacucho, Apurímac and Cusco regions on the north; the Puno Region on the east; the Moquegua Region on the south; and the Pacific Ocean on the west... |
6.2 | 100 | |
| 17 October 1966 | 10.72°S 78.70°W Lima Region Lima Region Lima Region, also known as Lima Provincias, is one of twenty-five regions of Peru. Located in the central coast of the country, its regional seat is Huacho.... |
6.4 | See 1966 Peru earthquake 1966 Peru earthquake The 1966 Peru earthquake occurred on October 17, 1966 at 16:41 local time . It had a magnitude of Mw 8.1. The epicenter was located offcoast near Huacho. About 100 people were reported dead. Most of the damage was recorded in low buildings. Cracks were reported in higher buildings. The intensity... |
ca. 100 |
| 1 October 1969 | 11.45°S 77.7°W Junin Region Junín Region Junín is a region in the central highlands and westernmost Amazonia of Peru. Its capital is Huancayo.-Geography:The region has a very heterogeneous topography. The western cordillera located near the border with the Lima Region, has snowy and ice covered peaks. On the east, there are high glacier... |
6.9 | 635 | |
| 14 February 1970 | 9.42°S 75.46°W Huanuco Region Huánuco Region Huánuco is a region in central Peru. It is bordered by the La Libertad, San Martín, Loreto and Ucayali regions on the north; the Ucayali Region on the east; the Pasco Region on the south; and the Lima and Ancash regions on the west. Its capital is the city of Huánuco.Huánuco has a rough topography... |
6.1 | 14 | |
| 31 May 1970 | 9.2°S 78.8°W 35 km (22 mi) west of Chimbote Chimbote Chimbote is the largest city in the Ancash Region of Peru, and the capital of both Santa Province and Chimbote District.The city is located on the coast in Chimbote Bay, south of Trujillo and north of Lima on the North Pan-American highway. It is the start of a chain of important cities like... |
7.9 | See 1970 Ancash earthquake 1970 Ancash earthquake The 1970 Ancash earthquake or Great Peruvian Earthquake was an undersea earthquake that occurred on May 31 of that year. Combined with a resultant landslide, it was the worst catastrophic natural disaster ever recorded in the history of Peru.... |
100,000 |
| 9 December 1970 | 4.13°S 80.44°W Piura Region Piura Region Piura is a coastal region in northwestern Peru. The region's capital is Piura and its largest port cities, Paita and Talara, are also among the most important in Peru... , Tumbes Region Tumbes Region Tumbes is a coastal region in northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador. Due to the region's location near the Equator it has a warm climate, with beaches that are considered among the finest in Peru... |
7.5 | Massive damage and hundreds of victims in Sullana Sullana Sullana is the name of the capital of the Sullana Province, in the north-western coastal plains of Peru on the Chira valley.-Location:Sullana is located at 04°53' south latitude and 80°41' west longitude, 38 km north of Piura, the capital of the region.-Climate:The province has a tropical... , Piura Piura Piura is a city in northwestern Peru. It is the capital of the Piura Region and the Piura Province. The population is 377,496.It was here that Spanish Conqueror Francisco Pizarro founded the third Spanish city in South America and first in Peru, San Miguel de Piura, in July 1532... and Tumbes. Licuefaction and landslides occurred in Peru-Ecuador border region. Strong tremors shaking Chiclayo Chiclayo Chiclayo is the capital city of the Lambayeque region in northern Peru. It is located 13 kilometers inland from the Pacific coast and 770 kilometers from the nation's capital, Lima... and Guayaquil Guayaquil Guayaquil , officially Santiago de Guayaquil , is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador,with about 2.3 million inhabitants in the city and nearly 3.1 million in the metropolitan area, as well as that nation's main port... and Cuenca Cuenca, Ecuador Cuenca is the capital of the Azuay Province. It is located in the highlands of Ecuador at about 2500 m above sea level... in Ecuador. See 1970 Peru-Ecuador earthquake 1970 Peru-Ecuador earthquake The 1970 Peru-Ecuador earthquake occurred on December 9, 1970 at 23:34 local time . The epicenter was located in northwestern Peru, between Piura and Tumbes, near the Peru-Ecuador border. This earthquake had a magnitude of Mw 7.1, or Ms 7.1. About 81 people were reported dead in Peru and in Ecuador... |
479 |
| 20 March 1972 | 7.15°S 76.40°W San Martin Region San Martín Region San Martín is a region in northern Peru. Most of the region is located in the upper part of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Its capital is Moyobamba and the largest city in the region is Tarapoto.-Boundaries:* North and East: Loreto Region... |
6.5 | In amazonic city of Juanjui Juanjuí Juanjuí is a town in Northern Peru, capital of the province Mariscal Cáceres in the region San Martín.Located in the left edge of Huallaga River. There are 38,427 inhabitants, according to the 2007 census. -History:... 25 people were killed, and massive licuefaction was reported. Landslides in Saposoa, Tarapoto Tarapoto Tarapoto, known as the "City of Palms", is a thriving commercial hub in northern Peru, an hour by plane from Lima, situated in the San Martín Province of the San Martín Region, located in the high jungle plateau to the east of what is known as the selva baja... and near Moyobamba Moyobamba Moyobamba is the capital city of the San Martín Region in northern Peru. Called "Santiago of eight valleys of Moyobamba" or "Maynas capital". There are 70,000 inhabitants, according to the 2009 census. Some 3,500 species of orchids are native to the area, which has led to the city's nickname of... . Massive damage in the Huallaga Central valley and in Tocache Tocache Tocache is a town in Northern Peru, capital of the province Tocache in the region San Martín. There are 23 611 inhabitants, according to the 2007 census. -External links:*... , Chachapoyas Chachapoyas Chachapoyas may refer to:* Chachapoyas culture, existed until the 15th century in the highlands in northern Peru* Chachapoyas city, the capital of the province with the same name and the Amazonas Region* Chachapoyas Province, Amazonas Region, Peru... and Tingo Maria Tingo Maria Tingo María is the capital of Leoncio Prado Province in the Huánuco Region in central Peru. It has an urban population of around 55,000 .... cities. |
100 |
| 3 October 1974 | 12.50°S 77.98°W Lima Region Lima Region Lima Region, also known as Lima Provincias, is one of twenty-five regions of Peru. Located in the central coast of the country, its regional seat is Huacho.... |
7.2 | In Lima Lima Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima... and El Callao, 179 people were killed, 1,000 people injured and more of 4,000 buildings damaged or destroyed. Other 35 victims in Cañete Cañete Cañete is a city and commune in Chile in Arauco Province, Biobío Region. It's located 135 km to the south of Concepción.-History:In 1552, Pedro de Valdivia founded the Tucapel Fort, near the present city of Cañete. In 1553, after destroying the fort, the native Mapuche defeated the Spanish... , Yauyos Yauyos Yauyos is a town in Central Peru, capital of the province Yauyos in the region Lima. The city is the seat of the Territorial Prelature of Yauyos.... , Pisco city, Ica city and Chincha Alta Chincha Alta Chincha Alta is a Peruvian city located in the Ica Region. It is the capital of Chincha Province.-Location:The City of Chincha Alta is located 200 kilometers south of Lima, in the Chincha Province of the Ica Region of Peru... , at least 04 fatalities in Huancayo Huancayo Huancayo with a rock') is the capital of the Junín Region, in the central highlands of Peru. It is located in Junín Province, of which it is also capital. Situated near the Mantaro Valley at an altitude of 3,271 meters, it has a population of 377,000 and is the fifth most populous city of the... area. |
337 |
| 16 Febrero 1979 | 16.51°S 72.59°W Arequipa Region Arequipa Region Arequipa is a region in southwestern Peru. It is bordered by the Ica, Ayacucho, Apurímac and Cusco regions on the north; the Puno Region on the east; the Moquegua Region on the south; and the Pacific Ocean on the west... |
6.8 | 13 people died in Arequipa city, 50 died in Pampacolca, Chuquibamba Chuquibamba Chuquibamba is a town in southern Peru, capital of the province Condesuyos in the region Arequipa. It is the seat of the Territorial Prelature of Chuquibamba.... and Aplao Aplao Aplao is a town in southern Peru, capital of the province Castilla in the region Arequipa.-References:... . |
100 |
| 6 April 1986 | 13.48°S 71.90°W Cuzco Region |
6.1 | A least 27 people died and 05 were reported missing in Cuzco city, landslides and considerable damage in historical buildings and churches. | 40 |
| 29 May 1990 | 6.16°S 77.22°W San Martin Region San Martín Region San Martín is a region in northern Peru. Most of the region is located in the upper part of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Its capital is Moyobamba and the largest city in the region is Tarapoto.-Boundaries:* North and East: Loreto Region... , Amazonas Region Amazonas Region Amazonas is a department of northern Peru bordered by Ecuador on the north and west, Cajamarca Department on the west, La Libertad Department on the south, and Loreto Department and San Martín Department on the east. Its capital is the city of Chachapoyas.... |
6.8 | Great damage and victims in Moyobamba Moyobamba Moyobamba is the capital city of the San Martín Region in northern Peru. Called "Santiago of eight valleys of Moyobamba" or "Maynas capital". There are 70,000 inhabitants, according to the 2009 census. Some 3,500 species of orchids are native to the area, which has led to the city's nickname of... , Chachapoyas Chachapoyas Chachapoyas may refer to:* Chachapoyas culture, existed until the 15th century in the highlands in northern Peru* Chachapoyas city, the capital of the province with the same name and the Amazonas Region* Chachapoyas Province, Amazonas Region, Peru... , Bagua Bagua Bagua may refer to:* Ba gua , a fundamental philosophical concept in ancient China* Baguazhang , shortly Bagua, a Chinese martial art based on Ba gua's principles* Bakkwa, a salty-sweet dried meat product from China similar to pork jerky... , Tarapoto Tarapoto Tarapoto, known as the "City of Palms", is a thriving commercial hub in northern Peru, an hour by plane from Lima, situated in the San Martín Province of the San Martín Region, located in the high jungle plateau to the east of what is known as the selva baja... and other areas. |
300 |
| 4 April 1991 | 5.98°S 77.09°W San Martin Region San Martín Region San Martín is a region in northern Peru. Most of the region is located in the upper part of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Its capital is Moyobamba and the largest city in the region is Tarapoto.-Boundaries:* North and East: Loreto Region... , Loreto Region Loreto Region Loreto is Peru's northernmost region. Covering almost one-third of Peru's territory, Loreto is by far the nation's largest region and also one of the most sparsely populated ones, due to its remote location in the Amazon Rainforest... |
6.5 | In Moyobamba Moyobamba Moyobamba is the capital city of the San Martín Region in northern Peru. Called "Santiago of eight valleys of Moyobamba" or "Maynas capital". There are 70,000 inhabitants, according to the 2009 census. Some 3,500 species of orchids are native to the area, which has led to the city's nickname of... 11 people were killed. |
100 |
| 18 April 1993 | 11.75°S 76.62°W Lima Region Lima Region Lima Region, also known as Lima Provincias, is one of twenty-five regions of Peru. Located in the central coast of the country, its regional seat is Huacho.... |
6.0 | 10 | |
| 21 February 1996 | 9.593°S 79.587°W Northern Peru |
7.4 | See 1996 Chimbote earthquake 1996 Chimbote earthquake The 1996 Chimbote earthquake occurred on February 21, 1996 at 07:51 local time about 130 km off the coast of northern Peru, near the Peru-Chile Trench. It was an earthquake of magnitude Mw 7.4.- Geology :... |
12 |
| 12 November 1996 | 15.30°S 76.44°W Ica Region Ica Region Ica is a region in Peru. It borders the Pacific Ocean on the west; the Lima Region on the north; the Huancavelica and Ayacucho regions on the east; and the Arequipa Region on the south. Its capital is the city of Ica.- Geography :... , Arequipa Region Arequipa Region Arequipa is a region in southwestern Peru. It is bordered by the Ica, Ayacucho, Apurímac and Cusco regions on the north; the Puno Region on the east; the Moquegua Region on the south; and the Pacific Ocean on the west... |
6.4 | Great damage at Nasca and Palpa Palpa Palpa may refer to:In Peru:*Palpa, Peru, near the Nazca Lines*Palpa Province, in the Ica RegionIn Nepal:*Palpa District, a district of Nepal in the Lumbini Zone*Palpa language... . |
24 |
| 23 June 2001 | 16.26°S 73.64°W 175 km (110 miles) south-southeast of Puquio |
8.4 | See 2001 southern Peru earthquake 2001 southern Peru earthquake The 2001 southern Peru earthquake was a magnitude 8.4 earthquake that occurred at 20:33:14 UTC on Saturday, June 23, 2001. The quake affected the Peruvian regions of Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna... |
75 |
| 25 September 2005 | 5.67°S 76.41°W 100 km (60 mi) northeast of Moyobamba Moyobamba Moyobamba is the capital city of the San Martín Region in northern Peru. Called "Santiago of eight valleys of Moyobamba" or "Maynas capital". There are 70,000 inhabitants, according to the 2009 census. Some 3,500 species of orchids are native to the area, which has led to the city's nickname of... |
7.5 | See 2005 northern Peru earthquake 2005 northern Peru earthquake The 2005 northern Peru earthquake occurred on September 25, 2005 at 20:56 local time , with a magnitude of 7.5. It resulted in the deaths of at least five people.... |
5 |
| 15 August 2007 | 13.32°S 76.51°W 150 kilometres (93 mi) south-southeast of Lima Lima Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima... |
8.0 | See 2007 Peru earthquake 2007 Peru earthquake The 2007 Peru earthquake was an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the moment magnitude scale that hit the central coast of Peru on Wednesday, August 15, 2007; it occurred at 23:40:57 UTC and lasted for about three minutes... |
519 |
| 28 October 2011 | 14.52°S 76.01°W 288 kilometres (178 mi) south-southeast of Lima Lima Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima... |
6.9 | TBD; Initial projections=0 |
Sources
- Historic Worldwide Earthquakes. Retrieved on 21 August 2007.
- details on Historic Earthquakes in Peru. Retrieved on 25 August 2007.