Overview
- Early on Wednesday, September 16, the Instituto Geofísico del Perú’s Centro Sismológico Nacional logged a magnitude 3.5 quake at 1:38 a.m. with an epicenter 5 km west of Arequipa and a depth of 16 km that was felt at intensity II–III on the Mercalli scale.
- Local authorities reported no material damage or casualties and the IGP/CENSIS remains in active real‑time monitoring of seismic activity across the country.
- UNMSM sismologist César Jiménez Tintaya told reporters that major ruptures since 1746 have released only about 20% of the central coast’s accumulated tectonic energy, a figure he said could imply the potential for much larger quakes in the future (estimates reported up to magnitude 8.5–8.8).
- National coverage has used the small Arequipa tremor to renew public preparedness messaging and to publish emergency contact numbers and basic guidance for building an emergency kit.
- Peru sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent seismic activity, so officials urge ongoing vigilance for stronger events and continued strengthening of early warning, response plans, and infrastructure resilience.