2025 Chimbote earthquake
On December 27, 2025, at 21:51:50 PET, an earthquake measuring Mw 6.2 according to the United States Geological Survey and 6.0 according to the Geophysical Institute of Peru 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.
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 on the Modified Mercalli intensity scale in Chimbote. It followed a magnitude 4.8 foreshock near Supe the previous day. The Peruvian Navy's Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation ruled out any tsunami threat.The quake caused widespread panic, with residents evacuating buildings. Significant damage was reported in Chimbote and nearby areas, including:
- Cracks, fallen tiles, and structural issues at Hospital La Caleta in Chimbote.
- Damage to a health center and supermarkets such as Plaza Vea.
- Several adobe houses destroyed or damage.
- Rockfalls on the Coishco bridge along national route PE-1N.
- Damage to a religious temple and a school in La Libertad Department.
Several aftershocks followed, including one of magnitude 5.1 on December 28.
Reactions
The earthquake interrupted live broadcasts by journalists and streamers, who urged viewers to remain calm. Peruvian president José Jerí posted on X calling for calm among the population.Authorities from the Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil and regional emergency centers conducted assessments and emphasized preparedness.