A 6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes the coast of Peru... Is there a risk of a tsunami?

This morning, the coasts of Peru witnessed a significant geological event: an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale. This caused a state of anticipation in the coastal areas, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or serious material damage to infrastructure.

Details of the earthquake and its location

According to data from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 94 kilometers southeast of the coastal city of Trujillo. The earthquake occurred at an average depth of between 30 and 66 kilometers below the Earth's surface, a depth typically classified as shallow to moderate, meaning it is often felt by the population but may be less destructive than much shallower earthquakes.

In a related context, the relevant authorities confirmed that no warnings were issued regarding the possibility of tsunami waves following the earthquake, which reassured residents in coastal areas along the Pacific Ocean.

Peru and its geographical location in the "Ring of Fire"

To understand the context of this event, it's important to note that Peru lies geographically within the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is a vast arc stretching 40,000 kilometers, characterized by extremely intense seismic and volcanic activity. Geological studies indicate that approximately 90% of the world's earthquakes, and 80% of the largest earthquakes, occur along this ring.

The primary cause of seismic activity in Peru is tectonic plate movement, specifically the subduction of the oceanic Nazca Plate beneath the continental South American Plate. This ongoing process generates immense pressure that is periodically released in the form of earthquakes of varying intensity, making earthquake preparedness a part of daily life in the region.

Earthquakes are increasing in frequency worldwide

This earthquake comes at a time when observers have noted an increase in seismic activity worldwide since the beginning of 2025. Numerous tremors exceeding magnitude 6 have been recorded in various regions, including Asia, South America, and the Mediterranean basin. While the number of major earthquakes (magnitude 7 and above) has remained relatively stable historically, advancements in monitoring methods and immediate media coverage have made the world more aware of these phenomena.

Types of earthquakes and their causes

From a scientific standpoint, earthquakes are classified into several main types based on their causes, which explains the variation in their strength and impact:

• Tectonic earthquakes: These are the most common and destructive, and they occur as a result of the movement of tectonic plates and their sudden sliding along faults and fractures in the earth.
• Volcanic earthquakes: These are directly related to volcanic activity, where the movement of magma and gases in the Earth's interior generates local vibrations.
• Induced earthquakes: These are tremors resulting from human and industrial activities, such as the construction of large dams that put pressure on the Earth's crust, oil and gas extraction operations, and massive construction explosions.