Earthquake replicas in Caravelí keep Peruvian population on edge

In the last few hours, the Peruvian province of Caravelí, in the southern region of Arequipa, has been shaken by six aftershocks ranging around magnitude 4 following the magnitude 7 earthquake that occurred in the early hours of a Friday. These seismic events have kept the local population on edge and have raised concerns throughout the country. The latest aftershock, with a magnitude of 4.4, was felt at 8:26 local time and had its epicenter 47 kilometers southwest of the district of Yauca in Caravelí, according to the National Seismological Center of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP). This aftershock added to five others that had been recorded earlier, all with considerable magnitudes that have kept authorities and the population on alert. One of the most significant aftershocks, with a magnitude of 4.6, occurred at 2:05 local time, with its epicenter 35 kilometers southwest of Yauca. These events have instilled fear among the population, especially due to the possibility of additional damages beyond those already reported after the initial earthquake. The magnitude 7 earthquake has, so far, left 9 minor injuries, in addition to power outages affecting over 3,500 users. Likewise, minor damages to bridges, roads, and houses in the region have been reported. President Dina Boluarte has expressed her concern and urged the population to remain calm in the face of the ongoing aftershocks shaking the area. Peru is located in a region known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the highest seismic activity in the world is concentrated. This geographical location exposes the country to the constant threat of earthquakes and significant seismic movements, necessitating the need for early warning systems and effective emergency plans. The memory of the devastating 2007 earthquake, which struck the coastal city of Pisco with a magnitude of 7.9, remains vivid in the minds of Peruvians. That event resulted in over 500 fatalities and significant material losses, highlighting the country's vulnerability to such natural disasters. Given the current situation, it is crucial for authorities to maintain clear communication with the population, providing precise and updated information on the situation's evolution and preventive measures to follow. Timely and coordinated response to seismic events is key to minimizing the impact on the population and ensuring their safety. In this context, solidarity and collaboration among citizens, government institutions, and humanitarian aid organizations are essential to address the consequences of these natural disasters. Prevention and preparedness are key pillars in seismic risk management, and it is everyone's responsibility to contribute to creating a more resilient society in the face of these unpredictable events.