Seismic aftershocks shake Caravelí, but without causing new serious damage

A total of nine aftershocks have shaken the province of Caravelí in the Arequipa region, southern Peru, following the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck the area last Friday, leaving 10 injured and 72 homes affected. Despite the occurrence of these new aftershocks, no additional personal or material damages have been reported in the region. The National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) has informed through its social media about these seismic movements, maintaining constant monitoring in vulnerable areas to ensure the safety of the population. According to the National Seismological Center, the latest recorded aftershock had a magnitude of 4.7 and its epicenter was located 27 kilometers south of the district of Lomas in Caravelí, with a depth of 34 kilometers. Additionally, eight other earthquakes were reported in the early hours of Saturday, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 6.4 and its epicenter was 54 kilometers southwest of Chala, causing concern in the region about the possibility of new seismic movements of great intensity. The main earthquake, which occurred on Friday at 00:36 hours, had its epicenter in the sea, 54 kilometers from the district of Yauca in the province of Caravelí. The subsequent aftershocks have kept the local population and authorities on alert, who have made efforts to assess possible damages and provide assistance to those affected. Civil Defense reported that, so far, 10 people were injured and received medical attention in health centers in Ica and Arequipa, while 72 homes suffered damages, seven of which were rendered uninhabitable. In addition to homes, damages were reported in eight health facilities, three educational institutions, seven public buildings, two bridges, 915 meters of road, 2,700 meters of irrigation canal, and 200 meters of water pipeline network. In response to this situation, the Peruvian government has deployed humanitarian aid to the affected area to support the affected communities and ensure their recovery. The president of the Peruvian Geophysical Institute, Hernando Tavera, has pointed out that the distance of the earthquake's epicenter has played a crucial role in mitigating structural damages. Tavera emphasized that the homes have withstood the shaking satisfactorily, avoiding collapses or critical situations that could endanger the lives of the inhabitants. This positive response to the earthquake reflects the importance of having solid infrastructures and adequate prevention measures to cope with seismic events of great magnitude. Peru is located in a geographical area known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the highest seismic activity in the world is concentrated. Events like the magnitude 7.9 earthquake that hit the city of Pisco in August 2007, leaving over 500 dead and extensive material damages in the southern Ica region, are reminders of the region's vulnerability to large-scale natural events. The population and authorities must remain alert and prepared to face future earthquakes, strengthening prevention and emergency response measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.