A powerful earthquake measured locally at 7.7 magnitude and at
7.5 by the US Geological Survey hit Peru's southern coast on
Wednesday evening.
The quake struck at 6:41 PM (2341 GMT) about 150 kilometers
southeast of the capital of Lima, the US Geological Survey
said.
Local TV quoted Peru's geophysical institute as saying that the
epicenter was 120 kilometers southwest of Lima.
The quake triggered panic in the streets as residents fled for
safety. It also knocked out power in some areas.
There were no immediate reports of damages and injuries.
According to news reaching here, the Pacific Tsunami Warning
Center has issued a tsunami warning for South America's Pacific
coast based on the strength of the earthquake in Peru.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2007)
