On Thursday, 15 February 2024, Lima, Peru, experienced a significant seismic event when a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the region.
Watch: Lima rattled by 5.2 magnitude earthquake
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Occurring at 15:53 GMT-5 (00:53 CAT on Friday, 16 February 2024), this tremor was centred 13 km NNW of Lima, Peru, with a depth of 67km.
This area is known for its frequent and sometimes devastating earthquakes, making such events a critical focus for both local authorities and seismologists worldwide.
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Why Peru is prone to earthquakes
The Pacific Ring of Fire, where Peru is situated, is a hotspot for seismic activity.
This vast area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean is characterised by active volcanoes and frequent earthquake occurrences. Earthquakes here result from the movements of several massive tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate and the smaller plates such as the Nazca Plate off the coast of South America.
These geological dynamics contribute to the regular occurrence of seismic events in this region.
Despite the potential for significant damage and disruption, the 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Lima, on this occasion, appears to have been managed without reports of serious harm or infrastructure collapse.
Lima, a city with a population of nearly 10 million, is no stranger to the threats posed by earthquakes.
The impact of a 5.2 magnitude earthquake, while considered moderate, can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the depth of the quake, the population density of the affected area, and the preparedness of the local infrastructure to withstand seismic events.
In this case, the depth of 67 km likely helped to mitigate the surface impact of the quake, preventing more severe damage and casualties.
