2025 Chimbote earthquake
6.0–6.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Peru
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On December 27, 2025, at 21:51:50 PET (02:51 UTC on December 28), an earthquake measuring Mw 6.2 according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and 6.0 according to the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP)[3][4] hit northern Peru. The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 67 km west of Chimbote in the Ancash Department of northern coastal Peru.[4]
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USGS Shakemap | |
   | |
| UTC time | 2025-12-28 02:51:50 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 644879848 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 27 December 2025 |
| Local time | 21:51:50 PET (UTC-5) |
| Magnitude | 6.2 Mw (USGS)[1] 6.0 (IGP)[2] |
| Depth | 66.4 kilometres (41.3 mi) (USGS)[3] 51 kilometres (32 mi) (IGP)[4] |
| Epicenter | 9.09°S 79.19°W 67 km west of Chimbote, Ancash Region, Peru[4] |
| Areas affected | Ancash Department, La Libertad Department, and Lima Department |
| Max. intensity | MMI V (Moderate) |
| Casualties | 53 injuries |
Impact
The earthquake was felt strongly across northern and central Peru, from Piura Department in the north to the Lima metropolitan area in the south, registering V (Moderate) on the Modified Mercalli intensity scale in Chimbote.[5] It followed a magnitude 4.8 foreshock near Supe the previous day.[6] The Peruvian Navy's Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation ruled out any tsunami threat.[7]
The quake caused widespread panic, with residents evacuating buildings.[8] Significant damage was reported in Chimbote and nearby areas, including:
- Cracks, fallen tiles, and structural issues at Hospital La Caleta in Chimbote.[9]
- Damage to a health center and supermarkets such as Plaza Vea.[10]
- Several adobe houses destroyed or damage.[11]
- Rockfalls on the Coishco bridge along national route PE-1N.[12]
- Damage to a religious temple and a school in La Libertad Department.[12]
Power outages occurred in Chimbote, and phenomena such as triboluminescence were observed.[13] At least 53 people were injured across the affected regions, primarily in Áncash and La Libertad, with some requiring hospitalization.[14]
Several aftershocks followed, including one of magnitude 5.1 on December 28.[15]
Reactions
The earthquake interrupted live broadcasts by journalists and streamers, who urged viewers to remain calm.[16] Peruvian president José Jerí posted on X calling for calm among the population.[17]
Authorities from the Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI) and regional emergency centers conducted assessments and emphasized preparedness.[12]