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On June 15, 2025, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Lima, Peru, causing significant shaking in the capital and nearby areas.

The quake, which occurred at 11:35 AM local time (4:35 PM UTC), triggered landslides, damaged buildings and infrastructure, and left one person dead.

Here’s everything you need to know about this seismic event, including its impact, causes, and Peru’s vulnerability to earthquakes.

When and Where Did the Earthquake Happen?

The earthquake hit at 11:35 AM local time in the Pacific Ocean, with its epicenter located approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of Callao, a major port city just west of Lima.

Lima, located in Peru, is part of South America and borders the countries Brazil, Ecuador, Balivia and Columbia.

The quake was felt across all districts of Lima, Peru’s capital, and in the neighboring province of Callao.

According to the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 49 kilometers (30 miles), while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a slightly lower magnitude of 5.6 and a depth of 53 kilometers (32 miles).

Why Did This Earthquake Occur?

Peru lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active zone along the Pacific Ocean where the Nazca and South American tectonic plates collide.

The Nazca Plate is subducting, or sliding beneath, the South American Plate, creating intense pressure that releases in the form of earthquakes. This tectonic activity makes Peru one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, averaging about 100 detectable quakes annually.

Affected Cities and Counties

The earthquake primarily impacted:

• Lima: Peru’s capital, with a population of over 10 million, where shaking was felt in all districts.
• Callao: A port city near the epicenter, experiencing strong tremors.
• Costa Verde: A coastal area in Lima where landslides were triggered, disrupting roads.

No other specific counties or cities were reported as significantly affected, but the quake’s reach extended to nearby coastal regions.

President Dina Boluarte addressed the nation, urging calm and reassuring citizens about the absence of a tsunami risk.

She stated, “I call for calm from citizens, noting that there was no tsunami warning for the South American country.” Her message aimed to prevent panic while emphasizing preparedness for potential aftershocks.

How Much Destruction Was Caused?

The earthquake caused localized damage, including:

• Landslides along the Costa Verde in Lima, blocking roads.
• Structural damage to roads, educational centers, and health facilities.
• Temporary suspension of public transport, including parts of Lima Metro Line 1, for safety inspections.
• Canceled events, such as a major football match at Lima’s Alberto Gallardo Stadium, which was paused for safety reasons.

While the damage was not widespread, poorly constructed buildings and slopes were particularly vulnerable.

Magnitude and What It Means

The Geophysical Institute of Peru recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.1, while the USGS reported 5.6. Magnitude measures the energy released by an earthquake, calculated using the Richter scale or moment magnitude scale (Mw). A 6.1 magnitude quake is considered “strong” and can cause moderate damage, especially in densely populated areas like Lima. The discrepancy in magnitude reports is common due to differences in measurement methods and equipment.

Understanding the Earthquake Scale

The earthquake magnitude scale (e.g., Richter or Mw) quantifies the size of a quake:

• Below 3.0: Usually not felt.
• 3.0–4.9: Minor, may be felt but rarely causes damage.
• 5.0–5.9: Moderate, can damage weak structures.
• 6.0–6.9: Strong, may cause significant damage in populated areas.
• 7.0 and above: Major, can lead to widespread destruction.

The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, used alongside magnitude, describes the shaking intensity and damage at specific locations. Lima experienced moderate to strong shaking, corresponding to MMI V–VI.

Casualties and Injuries

Tragically, one person died in Lima’s Independencia district when a wall from the fourth floor of a building under construction collapsed, striking a 36-year-old man standing outside his vehicle.

Five others were injured and are receiving treatment in hospitals across Lima. The Emergency Operations Centre reported no additional fatalities but noted ongoing assessments.

A local official, Police Colonel Ramiro Clauco, told RPP radio, “A 36-year-old man died in northern Lima while standing outside his vehicle waiting for a passenger.” This quote underscores the sudden and devastating nature of the incident.

When Was the Last Earthquake in Peru?

The last significant earthquake in Peru occurred on May 17, 2025, with a magnitude of 6.0 in the southern Andes near Puquio, Ayacucho.

No damage or casualties were reported due to its depth. A more destructive quake struck in 2021 in the Amazon region, registering 7.5, injuring 12 people, and destroying over 70 homes.

Peru is highly susceptible to earthquakes due to its location on the boundary of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, one of the world’s most active seismic zones.

The subduction process causes frequent quakes, and Lima’s coastal location amplifies risks due to soft soils that can intensify shaking. Older buildings and informal constructions in urban areas like Lima are particularly vulnerable.

Reference Link

For more details, refer to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) report: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.

More Details

1. Football Match Disruption: The quake led to the cancellation of a professional football match at Lima’s Alberto Gallardo Stadium, a rare occurrence that highlighted the event’s impact.
2. No Tsunami Risk: Despite the offshore epicenter, authorities quickly confirmed no tsunami threat, preventing widespread panic in coastal areas.
3. Landslide Footage: Videos shared on social media captured dust and sand rising from cliffs along Lima’s Costa Verde, providing striking visuals of the quake’s effects.

Additional Important Information

• Aftershock Risk: Authorities warned of possible aftershocks, urging residents to stay alert. No significant aftershocks were reported by 9:54 PM EDT on June 15, 2025.
• Emergency Response: Peru’s Emergency Operations Centre is coordinating hospital care for the injured and assessing damage to infrastructure.
• Historical Context: Lima has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, including a 7.0 quake in 1966 that killed over 100 people, underscoring the city’s ongoing seismic risk.

This earthquake serves as a reminder of Peru’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of earthquake-resistant construction and preparedness in urban centers like Lima. Stay updated with local authorities for safety advisories and further developments.