Peru earthquake today: Tsunami warning issued
A powerful earthquake has struck Peru, triggering a tsunami warning for the Pacific coast of South America.
The quake, which had a magnitude of 8.0, struck at 11:51 p.m. local time (04:51 UTC) on Sunday, November 13, 2023, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of Lima, the capital of Peru.
The quake was felt strongly in Lima and other coastal cities. Buildings shook and people were forced to evacuate their homes. There are reports of damage to buildings and infrastructure, but the full extent of the damage is not yet known.
A tsunami warning has been issued for the Pacific coast of South America, including Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia. The warning means that a tsunami is possible and people should evacuate to higher ground.
Tsunamis are waves that are generated by underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes. They can travel across the ocean at speeds of up to 600 miles per hour (965 kilometers per hour). When they reach land, they can cause widespread flooding and damage.
The last major tsunami to hit Peru was in 2007. That tsunami was caused by an earthquake in the Pacific Ocean and killed more than 500 people.
If you are in a tsunami warning area, you should:
* Evacuate to higher ground immediately.
* Do not wait for an official warning.
* Go to the highest point you can safely reach.
* Stay away from the coast and low-lying areas.
* Listen to local radio or television for updates.
* Do not return to your home until you are told it is safe to do so.
Tsunamis can be very dangerous, but they can be survived if you take the proper precautions. If you are in a tsunami warning area, please follow the instructions of local authorities.