Strong earthquake strikes central Peru

An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 hit central Peru on Thursday, the United States Geological Survey said, although authorities reported no immediate casualties or damage.

The quake struck at a depth of 99 km (61.52 mile), according to USGS, with the epicentre 31 km (19.26 mile) northwest of Aniso in the Andes Mountains.

The head of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), Hernando Tavera, said the depth of the quake prevented major damage.

"The population went out to the streets out of concern, but there is no impact," he told local radio station RPP.

The IGP initially said the magnitude of the quake was 7.2.

The South American country, the world's second-largest copper producer, is located in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where approximately 85 per cent of the world's seismic activity is recorded.