7.3 magnitude earthquake strikes off Peru; tsunami threat

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the temblor had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3.

LIMA, Peru — A powerful earthquake struck off Peru’s coast early Sunday, prompting a U.S. agency to issue a tsunami threat message for parts of the country and neighbouring Chile.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the temblor had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The epicenter was 42 kilometres (26 miles) south-southwest of Acari, with the earthquake hitting at 0918 GMT (4:18 a.m. EST) at a depth of 12.1 kilometres (about 7.5 miles).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that “hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts.” A statement says that tsunami waves reaching 0.3 metres to one meter “above the tide level are possible for some coasts of Peru.

” It also says waves are forecast to be less than 0.3 metres for the coasts of Chile.