2025 Chimbote earthquake
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°05′S 79°11′W / 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 |
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]
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]
See also
References
- ^ "M 6.2 - 36 km W of Puerto Santa, Peru". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Reporte Sísmico IGP/CENSIS/RS 2025-0829". Instituto Geofísico del Perú. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ a b "M 6.2 - 36 km W of Puerto Santa, Peru". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ a b c d "Reporte Sísmico IGP/CENSIS/RS 2025-0829". Instituto Geofísico del Perú. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Instituto Geofísico del Perú: sismo de magnitud 6.0 fue percibido desde Piura hasta Lima". Andina. 2025-12-27. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Último temblor en Lima: estas son las zonas donde se sintió el sismo de magnitud 4.8". Infobae. 2025-12-27. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Temblor en Perú hoy: sismo de magnitud 6.0 en Chimbote alarmó a limeños". Andina. 2025-12-27. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Videos y fotos del fuerte sismo de 6.0 en Chimbote: terror, angustia y negocios afectados". Infobae. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Sismos en Perú EN VIVO: último reporte del IGP, balance de heridos y daños en Chimbote y La Libertad". Infobae. 2025-12-29. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Fuerte sismo de 6.0 en Chimbote: daños y gran susto". América TV. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Viviendas dañadas y heridos en La Libertad dejó sismo de magnitud 6,0 registrado en Áncash". La República. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ a b c "REPORTE COMPLEMENTARIO N.° 13860 - SISMO DE MAGNITUD 6.0 CON EPICENTRO EN EL MAR A 67 KM AL O DE CHIMBOTE - ANCASH". INDECI. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Sismos en Perú EN VIVO: último reporte del IGP, balance de heridos y daños en Chimbote y La Libertad". Infobae. 2025-12-29. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Sismo de 6,0 en Chimbote dejó 53 heridos en La Libertad y Áncash, y provocó daños en hospitales". La República. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Evento Registrado - Instituto Geofísico del Perú". IGP. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Streamer fue sorprendida por el fuerte temblor de 6.0 en plena transmisión en vivo". Infobae. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
- ^ "Ciudadana brinda testimonio tras sismo de magnitud 6.0 en Chimbote". Exitosa Noticias. Retrieved 2025-12-29.