An earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale hit the Peruvian southern region of Arequipa early Saturday, Peru’s Geophysical Institute (IGP) reported.
The tremor occurred at 08:37 local time (13:37 GMT) and was centered 18 kilometers (11.1 miles) southeast of Atico, one of the thirteen districts located in the Caraveli province.
IGP seismologists said the quake struck in the sea at a depth of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) and went unnoticed by the local population.
According to Civil Defense and local authorities, there have been no reports of property damage or injuries from the event.
It should be noted 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) RMB/RMB
Published: 11/22/2014