Peru continues to experience frequent seismic activity, with the Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) providing real‑time updates on tremors across the country. The IGP monitors the national seismic network, known as the Red Sísmica Nacional (DS‑0017‑2018MINAM), which consists of sensors measuring velocity, acceleration, and displacement throughout Peru. On 8 November 2026, several earthquakes were recorded. At 06:58:29 local time, a magnitude 4.8 event struck Tacna at a depth of 64 km, with an intensity of II. Earlier that day, two tremors were felt in Chimbote, Áncash: a magnitude 3.8 quake at 05:39:10 (depth 44 km, intensity III) and a magnitude 3.5 quake at 04:01:36 (depth 49 km, intensity II). On 7 November 2026, a magnitude 3.8 quake occurred 57 km east of Zarumilla, Tumbes (depth 38 km, intensity II‑III), and a magnitude 4.3 event struck 21 km southeast of Panao, Huánuco (depth 143 km, intensity III). The CENSIS (Centro Nacional de Sismología) obtains its data from the same national network, and the IGP’s PeruSísmico platform allows the public to search events by region, date, magnitude, and depth. Peru’s high seismicity is due to its position on the western edge of South America, where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate. This tectonic setting places the country within the Pacific Ring of Fire, which accounts for roughly 85 % of global seismic activity. Major fault lines, such as the Tambomachay, Huambo‑Cabanaconde, and Quiches faults, further contribute to the region’s earthquake risk. During an earthquake, the Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI) advises residents to remain calm, move to pre‑identified safe zones, keep away from windows and falling objects, and use stairs instead of elevators. If driving, vehicles should be stopped safely. INDECI also recommends having an emergency kit that includes hygiene items, a first‑aid kit, blankets, non‑perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, and any necessary medications. Pet owners should include supplies for their animals. Emergency contact numbers in Peru are: fire services 116, national police 105, SAMU (medical emergency) 106, and local INDECI offices for civil protection. Historically, the most powerful earthquake recorded by instruments in Peru was the 8.0‑magnitude event on 3 October 1974, which struck Lima at 09:21 a.m. and caused 252 deaths and 3,600 injuries. According to IGP reports, the regions with the highest frequency of seismic events are Lima, Arequipa, and Ica, followed by Junín, Ucayali, and Pasco. The IGP continues to publish updates on seismic activity and works with INDECI to promote preparedness and reduce the impact of future earthquakes on Peru’s population.
Article source: El Comercio | Image credit: El Comercio