Terrifying earthquake in Peru

Peruvian Health Minister Carlos Vallejos said this morning that a magnitude 7.9 earthquake rocked the country, leaving at least 337 people dead and more than 1,000 injured.

Fear of aftershocks, many people drove each other to Yahuarhuaca park to take refuge in Lima on August 15 (Photo: AFP / APN)

The earthquake occurred at 1840 hrs Peru time on August 15 (6h40 Vietnamese time on August 16) and lasted for several minutes. This is considered the strongest earthquake in this country in the past few decades. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake center is located off the Pacific Ocean, about 145 km southeast of the Capital of Lima. Next it is 4 strong seismic attacks from 5.4 - 5.9 richter.

The earthquake caused authorities in Peru and neighboring countries like Chile, Ecuador and Colombia to issue a tsunami warning and demanded evacuation in coastal areas below sea level. However, the tsunami warning was lifted later.

The most serious damage in Peru is the Inca province, about 265km south of the capital Lima. Natural disasters have killed at least 46 residents here. An urgent order was issued in Inca. Peruvian President Alan Garcia sent three cabinet members, including the minister of health, to directly direct the earthquake recovery in this central coastal province.

In Lima, earthquakes repeatedly shook buildings, causing panic, rushing to the streets. President Garcia mobilized police to keep order in the capital streets. Speaking on national television and radio stations, Mr Garcia said Peru was lucky that the earthquake did not turn into a disaster.

* Early this morning (August 16), an earthquake also occurred in Japan, rocking the Tokyo capital and surrounding areas . According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred at 4:15 am local time with a magnitude of 5.3. The earthquake center is located 30 km deep in the sea, off Chiba Prefecture.

The tremors rocked many buildings in central Tokyo and some areas of neighboring China. Railway service is also suspended.

'We have not received a report on earthquake damage . there was a minor injury' , a notice from the Chiba prefectural police. A Japanese Meteorological Agency official said the earthquake was not capable of causing tsunamis.

A building caught on fire after an earthquake in Rimac, Peru
(Photo: Reuters)

T.VY - NG. BAR