5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Damages Homes In Southeast Peru

A 5.5 magnitude quake damages homes in southeast Peru 1536A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Peru on Thursday, damaging some homes and roads but causing no casualties, the National Civil Defense Institute (INDECI) said.

The quake in the Puno region hit at 5:40 p.m. local time (2240 GMT), its epicenter 58 km from the town of Lampa and at a depth of 30 km, according to the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP).

Eight collapsed homes are reported in Lampa and 40 affected in the Paratia district. People are located in safe areas, INDECI said on Twitter, adding that communication with the area had been disrupted.

The tremor lasted about 30 seconds and was also felt in the nearby city of Puno, located in the Andes mountains more than 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level.

Both Lampa and Puno are close to Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian border.

SOURCE: PTI