Overview
- A powerful earthquake struck the Ayacucho region on Thursday, August 20, 2026, producing strong shaking across southern and central Peru.
- U.S. and Peruvian agencies gave different preliminary parameters, with the USGS reporting magnitude 6.7 at about 66.7 km depth and the Geophysical Institute of Peru initially reporting magnitude 7.2 at about 108 km depth.
- Authorities reported at least two people injured and damage to homes, six health centers and a school in districts including Coracora, Upahuacho, Puquio, Pullo and Pichari.
- The Peruvian Navy and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake posed no tsunami threat and emergency services are carrying out local evacuations and checks for rockfalls and landslides.
- Preliminary USGS exposure estimates indicate tens to hundreds of thousands felt moderate to strong shaking, and officials continue on-site assessments for aftershocks, structural safety and secondary hazards in vulnerable mountain communities.