A magnitude-5.0 earthquake struck Peru's capital Lima on Thursday, February 26, 2026, according to the Geophysical Institute of Peru. The tremor occurred at a depth of 48 kilometers, with its epicenter located 32 kilometers west of the city center.
Residents reported strong shaking lasting approximately 30 seconds, prompting brief evacuations of commercial buildings. While no major structural damage has been confirmed, emergency services are conducting safety inspections of older buildings in the historic center. The National Emergency Operations Center confirmed three minor injuries related to falling debris.
Peru's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. This marks the third earthquake above magnitude 4.5 recorded in the Lima region this year. Authorities have urged residents to review emergency preparedness plans as aftershocks remain possible in the coming days.
International airports and port facilities resumed normal operations within two hours of the quake. The incident has drawn attention from global seismic monitoring organizations studying patterns of tectonic activity along the South American coast.
