Strong M6.7 Earthquake hit 289km from Arequipa in Peru on Thursday Afternoon.

Written by Earthquakelist.org on August 20th, 2026.

In the early afternoon of Thursday August 20th, 2026, a strong MAG-6.7 earthquake hit under land 289 kilometer from Arequipa in Peru. Shaking may have been felt by a total of 2.4 million people.

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Earthquake Summary

The earthquake struck on land in Peru, 289 kilometer (180 mi) northwest of Arequipa. The center of this earthquake had an intermediate depth of 99 km.

Date and Time:	Aug 20, 2026 13:00 (Lima Time) - Aug 20, 2026 18:00 Universal Time.
Location:	289 km NW of Arequipa, Peru. Coordinates 14°38'29"S 73°31'25"W.
Map:	Map of area around epicenter. Click to open in Google Maps.
Magnitude:	MAG 6.7 Detected by 62 stations. Maximum Error Range ±0.039 .
Depth:	99 km (62 mi) An intermediate depth.
Max. Intensity:	VI Strong On the Modified Mercalli Scale.
Tsunami Risk:	Low Tsunami Risk Mag 6.5+ earthquakes at shallow depth can cause tsunami's, but this epicenter appears to have hit under land, making this less likely. Always stay cautious - More info here.

Minimal impact predicted

Based on scientific estimates by the US Geographic Survey (USGS), the risk of high fatalities for this earthquake is classified at level GREEN (low). They expect an 90% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 fatalities.

The USGS classifies the economic impact of this earthquake at level GREEN (low). They expect an 90% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 million US Dollars in economic damage and impact.

Roughly 2.4 million people exposed to shaking

The USGS has published a report estimating the number of people exposed to this earthquake. Acoording to their analysis, roughly 2.4 million have been exposed to shaking at an MMI level of II or higher.

An estimated 1,110 people were exposed to level VI. At this level, strong shaking and probably light damage can be expected. Intensity level IV was experienced by the majority of people (around 2 million). In their region, light shaking and likely no damage can be expected. All exposure to shaking was within the borders of Peru .

Nearby towns and cities

This earthquake may have been felt in Peru . The closest significant population center near the earthquake is Andahuaylas in Apurímac, Peru. Andahuaylas is located 111 kilometer (69 mi) south of the epicenter. The intensity of shaking and damage in Andahuaylas is estimated to be around level IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale (light shaking, likely no damage).

Multiple major population centers exist within 300km of the earthquake that struck today. Lima is located 477 km to the northwest (intensity unknown, possibly low). Arequipa is located 289 km to the south-east (intensity unknown, possibly low). Callao is located 484 km to the northwest (intensity unknown, possibly low).

An overview of nearby towns and cities is available in the overview below. If places don't have intensity data available, it likely means the experienced impact in those places was fairly small.

Overview of nearby places

Earthquake Intensity Map

The maximum intensity (MMI Scale) caused by this earthquake is VI. The map below shows in which areas this earthquake was the most and least impactful. It is based on data from the US Geographic Survey.

I Not felt

II Weak

III Weak

IV Light

V Moderate

VI Strong

VII Very Strong

VIII Severe

IX Violent

X Extreme

Shaking reported by 67 people in 2 countries

People that feel an earthquake may report their experience to the US Geographic Survey. Currently, 67 people have reported shaking in 17 places in 2 countries (Peru, Chile).We keep updating this article as more ground reports become available. You may report that you felt this earthquake here.

Places with most reports:

• Lima, Lima Provincias, Peru: 17 people.
• San Luis, Lima Provincias, Peru: 16 people.
• Cusco, Cusco, Peru: 13 people.
• Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru: 4 people.
• Santa María, Lima Provincias, Peru: 3 people.
• Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile: 2 people.
• Ayacucho, Ayacucho, Peru: 2 people.
• Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru: 1 person.
• Oxapampa, Pasco, Peru: 1 person.
• Los Aquijes, Ica, Peru: 1 person.

Risk of aftershocks?

This earthquake did not have any significant foreshocks nor aftershocks occurring within 100km (62 mi) of its epicenter.

Aftershocks are usually at least 1 order of magnitude less strong than main shocks. The more time passes, the smaller the chance and likely strength of any potential aftershocks.

The chance that a significant earthquake like this one is followed by an even larger earthquake is not so large. On average, scientists estimate a 94% chance that a major earthquake will not be followed by an even larger one. It is still adviced to be aware of this risk

This is an unusually powerful earthquake

Earthquakes of this strength are not so common in the region, but it's not the first time. This is the strongest earthquake to hit since June 28th, 2024, when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit 165 km (103 mi) further southwest. That was also the heaviest earthquake to hit the region in the past 10 years.

In total, 2 earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.7 or higher have been registered within 300km (186 mi) of this epicenter in the past 10 years. This comes down to an average of once every 5 years.

Low Tsunami Risk

There is a low tsunami risk following this earthquake, as it appears the epicenter was under land far away from the coast. However this was a very strong earthquake at a shallow depth that would have a very high risk at causing tsunami's if it would have occurred under sea. Stay cautious and monitor advice from local authorities.

Tsunami Risk Factors

Sources

Last updated 20/08/26 23:28 (). This article contains currently available information about the earthquake and is automatically composed. We continue to update this article up to a few days after the earthquake occurred.

1. US Geographic Society (USGS): Earthquake us6000tm81
2. European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC): Earthquake 20260820_0000536
3. Geonames.org: World Cities Database
4. Google Maps: Static API
5. Earthquakelist.org: Historic Earthquakes Database

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