An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale jolted the coastal region of Piura in northern Peru early Wednesday, the Peruvian Geophysical Institute (IGP) has reported.
Seismologists said the tremor occurred at 04:57 local time and was centered about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) southwest of the Sechura province.
IGP noted the quake had a depth of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) offshore, while it was measured II and III on the Modified Mercalli scale on the said area.
According to Civil Defense authorities, there have been no reports of damage to buildings or injuries so far from the quake.
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) LIT/LOG
Published: 7/23/2014