Tremor in Lima: a 4.2 earthquake was recorded this Monday, January 29. (Capture)
An earthquake in Lima with a magnitude of 4.2 was felt on the afternoon of this Monday, January 29, as confirmed by the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) in its official accounts. The tremor was recorded at 17:04:56 hours (five in the afternoon, four minutes and 56 seconds).
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The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded 19 kilometers north of Chosica, in Lima – Lima, at a depth of 92 kilometers and was felt in several districts of the eastern cone of the capital. This was made known by several users on social networks. In addition, netizens assured that a long roar accompanied by movement was felt.
The IGP adds that the epicenter is located at latitude -11.86 and longitude -76.86. The intensity was III. So far, no personal or material damage has been reported.
In the face of an earthquake, the National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci) urges the population to remain calm and avoid panic. Likewise, it recommends the development of a family evacuation plan, highlighting the importance of verifying exit routes and having an emergency backpack ready.
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It is essential to remember that Peru is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region that concentrates approximately 85% of seismic activity worldwide, according to Indeci. With this information, the need to be prepared and take preventive measures to face emergency situations is reinforced, with planning and serenity being key elements in the effective response to seismic events.
(Photo: ISSSTE)
An emergency backpack is an essential kit designed to provide basic resources during the first hours or days after a natural disaster, such as an earthquake. In the context of Peru, where seismic risks are a constant, preparation takes on fundamental relevance. The backpack must stand out for its resistance and ease of transport, and it is recommended that it contain the following elements:
- Bottled water and non-perishable food: energy bars, canned tuna, high-energy cookies.
- Battery-powered radio or with solar charger and additional batteries.
- Flashlight with extra batteries; It is preferred that they be LED type due to their durability.
- First aid kit with basic supplies such as bandages, gauze, disinfectants, pain relievers, among others.
- Light and small blanket, preferably thermal.
- Whistle for distress signals.
- Multifunctional tools and pocket knife.
- Copies of important personal documents (ID, passport, birth certificates) in waterproof bags.
- Cash in small denominations and coins.
- Warm clothing and a basic change of clothes according to the weather.
- Personal hygiene items, such as soap, wet towels, toilet paper, sanitary pads.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
- A list of emergency contacts and important numbers.
- Masks and gloves.
- Lighter or matches in a waterproof container.
It is essential to keep the backpack in an accessible place and check it periodically, replacing items that have expired or been used.
The Latin American nation has had to face various seismic events that have left hundreds of dead, injured and countless material damages. AFP PHOTO / JAIME RAZURI (Photo by JAIME RAZURI / AFP)
Peru faced various seismic events that have left tragic consequences in the form of hundreds of deaths, injuries and extensive material damage. Here we present a count of the most relevant earthquakes:
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October 3, 1974
An earthquake of magnitude 8.0 was recorded in the capital, Lima, at 9:21 a.m., a movement that was also felt on the Peruvian coast to the south. The movement lasted around 90 seconds and left 252 dead and 3,600 injured.
May 29, 1990
Another earthquake measuring 6.4 caused the death of 77 people, left 1,680 injured, 58,835 homeless and 11,000 homes destroyed. The movement, which began at 9:34 a.m., left damage in the cities of San Martín, Amazonas, Cajamarca, Rioja, Moyobamba, Chachapoyas, Jaén and Bagua.
June 23, 2001
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake affected southern Peru in the regions of Moquegua, Tacna and Arequipa, leaving 74 people dead, 2,689 injured, more than 21,000 affected, 64 people missing, 35,601 homes affected, of which 17,584 were left destroyed.
The earthquake had several aftershocks and had an intensity of VIII, which generated a tsunami that also caused another 26 deaths. It was the most destructive earthquake after the 1970 Ancash earthquake and the largest in the world after the Rata Islands.
A woman reads the Bible in front of her destroyed house in Pisco, more than 300 km south of Lima, August 16, 2007. Peruvian officials struggled on Thursday to reach isolated victims on the country’s southern coast after A devastating earthquake that shook the region the day before left more than 500 dead and 1,600 injured. AFP PHOTO/Jaime RAZURI (Photo by JAIME RAZURI / AFP)
August 15, 2007
Peru was severely damaged by one of the most devastating earthquakes in its modern history. Occurring at 6:40 p.m., the magnitude 8 Pisco earthquake lasted 3 minutes 50 seconds. It was one of the most violent earthquakes to occur in Peru in recent years, being surpassed by the Arequipa earthquake of 2001. This event left 596 people dead.
May 26, 2019
One of the last earthquakes recorded in Peru was the one known as the “Loreto earthquake”, which had a magnitude of 8 and originated at 02:41 local time and consequently left one person dead and more than 2,500 people affected.
This history highlights Peru’s seismic vulnerability and underscores the need for preventative measures and continued preparation for these natural events.