Peru’s national territory have been shocked by a total of 165 earthquakes so far this year, of which 17 have struck the nation’s capital Lima, the Peruvian Geophysical Institute (IGP) reported Monday.
According to new date which were put out Monday by IGP, the month of highest seismic activity was March, with a total of 31 events, followed by May with 27 events, April (23), June (22), January (17), August (15) and February (12).
The report reveals that the stronger felt event was the August 24th earthquake which jolted the Andean region of Ayacucho, in south-central Peru, with a maximum intensity of VI on the Modified Mercalli scale and a 6.6-magnitude on the Richter scale.
In turn, an earthquake recorded on January 4th in the country’s south-eastern Cusco region was the event of lowest magnitude with 3.6 on the Richter scale and a II-intensity on the Modified Mercalli scale.
The seismological center’s study found the largest tremor which rattled the Peruvian capital Lima so far this year took place on June 3rd, measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale and an intensity of IV on the Modified Mercalli scale.
Meanwhile, the lowest seismicity event regarding its magnitude and intensity located in the coastal Lima region was the April 17th earthquake which recorded 3.6 on the Richter scale and II on the Modified Mercalli scale.
In that sense, IGP’s Seismology Director, Hernando Tavara, stressed the importance of mitigating the negative effects of seismic events through a proper culture of prevention which involves the organization of drills and active participation of the community.
Likewise, the bureau’s foremost specialist recalled Peru is located on a high seismic activity area known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, thus the population must be prepared and ready for any contingency by ensuring optimal housing infrastructure.
(END) LZD/RRC/LOG
Published: 8/25/2014