Earthquake Rattles Peru

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Peru this afternoon, originating roughly 500 kilometers away from the capital city of Lima, Univision reported.

So far, there are no immediate reports of damage or injury. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 12:46 p.m. local time (1:46 p.m. EDT).

The epicenter was near the city of Pucallpa, 145 kilometers underground, and was mildly felt in Lima, the USGS said. Pucallpa, a jungle city, is near the Brazilian border.

I spoke with a couple of my friends and family in Peru, thankfully, they're all safe.

Jose Siucho, who lives in Lima, said he was home when he felt the floor begin to move from side to side.

My aunt, Gaby Yi Choy, was in line at the immigration and customs office when she felt the earth shake. "It was very long," she told me in Spanish and said it lasted about 45 seconds. She said people in the office began yelling "Earthquake, Earthquake!"and some ran outside.  

Being used to so many earthquakes that rattle the country (Peru is very seismically active), my aunt said she stayed in the building so she wouldn't lose her place in line. "If I went outside, I would have had to wait longer to get service."

Do you have family members in Peru?