A series of strong quakes hit southern Peru Saturday
Southern Peru was shaken on Saturday by a series of five strong earthquakes, according to the data reported by the United States Geological Survey. A 5.5-magnitude shake was registered just 9 kilometers southeast of Peru's Maca District, while three other quakes similar in strength shook the more southern Lluta District over the past hours.
This region is known for its significant seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates interact. The area is characterized by the presence of subduction zones, where the Nazca Plate is subducting beneath the South American Plate. This tectonic activity gives rise to frequent earthquakes in the area.
Southern Peru has experienced several notable earthquakes in its history. One of the most devastating earthquakes occurred in 2007 when the Pisco earthquake struck the region. This magnitude 8.0 earthquake caused widespread destruction and resulted in the loss of nearly 600 lives while over 2,000 people were injured.