13:56 | Ayacucho (Ayacucho region), Aug. 20.
A strong magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at 1:00 p.m. today, Thursday, August 20. Its epicenter was located 35 kilometers north of the town of Coracora, Ayacucho region.
The National Seismological Center of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) reported that the quake had a depth of 108 kilometers.
Its epicenter was located 35 kilometers north of Coracora, in Parinacochas province, Ayacucho region.
The earthquake reached an intensity of III-IV in Coracora, according to the Modified Mercalli scale.
The seismic event caused alarm among residents in several cities in Ayacucho, Ica, Huancavelica, and Arequipa regions.
It was also reported to have been felt slightly in Lima.
Initial reports indicate landslides near Coracora and in other areas of Ayacucho.
No personal injuries or property damage have been reported so far.
?? ¡Primeras imágenes del fuerte sismo de magnitud 7.2 en Ayacucho!
Población de Coracora, Pauza y otras ciudades de la región revela deslizamientos de cerros y evacuación de pobladores.
El sismo se registró a las 13:00 horas de hoy, jueves 20 de agosto. Su epicentro se… pic.twitter.com/RwtBzvxsQT
— Agencia Andina (@Agencia_Andina) August 20, 2026
REPORTE SÍSMICO:
IGP/CENSIS/RS 2026-0568
Fecha y Hora Local: 20/08/2026,13:00:16
Magnitud: 7.2
Profundidad: 108 km
Latitud: -14.70
Longitud: -73.78
Intensidad: III-IV Coracora
Referencia: 35 km al N de Coracora, Parinacochas – Ayacuchohttps://t.co/TpjDs4Ge1R
— Centro Sismológico Nacional (@Sismos_Peru_IGP) August 20, 2026
Seismic activity
Peru is a country with high seismic activity, mainly due to the interaction between the Nasca and South American plates.
Therefore, the IGP recommends maintaining a culture of prevention and having a family emergency plan.
Magnitude and intensity are different parameters: magnitude measures the energy released by an earthquake, while intensity describes the effects and perception of the movement at a given location.
The report of Thursday, August 20, comes after other earthquakes recorded in the country in recent hours, including a 3.6-magnitude earthquake that occurred at 08:29:59 a.m. west of Ocoña, in Camana province, Arequipa region.
(END) MAO/MVB
Publicado: 20/8/2026
