An earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale jolted Ancash region in north-central Peru this morning, reported Peru's Geophysical Institute (IGP).
Seismologists said the quake struck at 09:24 local time (14:24 GMT) and it was centered at 86 kilometers (53.4 miles) east of Huarmey province.
In addition, it hit at a depth of 111 kilometers (68.9 miles) and the shaking intensity as described on the Modified Mercalli intensity scale reached III in the aforementioned area.
According to Civil Defense authorities, there have been no reports of damage or injury so far from the event.
Peru lies in the so called “Pacific Ring of Fire”, which is the site of 85 percent of global seismic activity caused by friction between shifting tectonic plates.
(END) TMC/MAO/RMB
Published: 12/17/2014