Magnitude 7 earthquake shakes southern Peru and raises alarm among the population.

A magnitude 7 earthquake shook the south of Peru, generating alert and tension among the local population. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.2, with its epicenter located 8 kilometers east of the district of Atiquipa, in the department of Arequipa. This situation triggered a series of events that kept the inhabitants of the affected area on edge. The executive president of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), Hernando Tavera, indicated that the earthquake, despite having a shallow depth and being far from the coast, caused intense ground movement. This shaking alerted the population, forcing many to evacuate their homes as a preventive measure, as Tavera explained to local media. On the other hand, the mayor of Caravelí, Roberto Soto, reported landslides on the roads, falls of fences and rustic constructions in the area after the earthquake. It was also reported that in the province of Caravelí, the sea retreated 15 meters, increasing the fear of the population of a new earthquake. The impact magnitude extended to the departments of Ica and Lima, where the tremor was also felt. In response to the situation, Peruvian authorities, from the Presidency and the Ministry of Health, are evaluating the possible damages and coordinating actions to address the emergency. So far, three minor injuries have been reported as a result of the earthquake, which has generated a widespread alert in the region. The news that caused the most concern was the tsunami alert issued by the Hydrography and Navigation Directorate of the Navy, in collaboration with the National Tsunami Alerts Center. A risk of tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters above sea level in certain areas of Peru was forecasted, keeping the coastal population on edge. The National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) issued a statement detailing the estimated arrival times of the first tsunami waves along the Peruvian coast, with the aim of preparing the population for the possible impact. However, the tsunami alert was later dismissed, providing a momentary relief to the community, although vigilance was maintained. Amidst the uncertainty, the aftershocks of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake were not long in coming. The IGP reported several aftershocks in the hours following the main event, with the most notable being a magnitude 4.4. These seismic movements kept the population on alert and highlighted the importance of being prepared for emergency situations. Despite the tension and material damages recorded, Peruvian authorities, both locally and nationally, have called for calm and assured that necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the affected population. In the midst of uncertainty, solidarity and preparedness are essential to face seismic events of this magnitude and minimize their impacts on society.