A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits Peru

An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck northern Peru on Friday, with no initial reports of injuries or damage.

The Peruvian Seismological Center stated that the epicenter of the earthquake was 12 kilometers west of the town of Sullana, with a depth of 36 kilometers.

The country’s Civil Defense reported earthquakes in many parts of the province and neighboring Ecuador.

Alfredo Morgoytio, head of the Peruvian Civil Defense Institute, said the newly elected president, Pedro Castillo, intends to travel to the north of the country to inspect the damage.

Television footage showed terrified residents in the Peruvian coastal city of Piura running into the streets during the earthquake.

The quake caused merchandise to drop off from store shelves and cut off electricity to parts of the area.

Local media said the quake caused minor damage.

There were no reports of deaths or injuries.

The German Geoscience Research Center said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.