Peru records two magnitude 3.8 earthquakes in La Libertad and Áncash

Peru experienced two seismic events on September 5, 2026. The first was a magnitude 3.8 earthquake in the La Libertad region during the early morning hours. The second occurred at 12:09 p.m. in the Áncash region, with an epicenter located in the sea approximately 90 kilometers west of Chimbote at a depth of 34 kilometers.

The Áncash tremor was recorded at a magnitude of 3.8 and felt with an intensity of II-III on the Mercalli scale in Chimbote. Local authorities have reported no material damage or casualties from this event.

Seismologist César Jiménez Tintaya from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos noted that the central coast of Peru has accumulated seismic energy since the last megathrust earthquake in 1746. He warned that recent tremors have only released approximately 20 percent of the accumulated energy, suggesting the potential for a future earthquake with a magnitude exceeding 8.0.