Earthquakes Strike Majority of South America, Including One 8.0 Magnitude Quake

A slew of Earthquakes ravaged Central-South America and Northern South America over the course of a week with earthquakes of magnitudes ranging from 3.2 - 8.0.  Tremors were felt in Caracas, Venezuela, but the epicenter of the worst earthquake so far was an Amazonian earthquake was 93 Kilometers east of Yurimaguas, Peru.

Credit: 'Being Peruvian' on Facebook

News broke out of earthquakes reported near Arequipa, and near the Amazon Jungle from Earlier this week to continuous earthquakes today, leading to a powerful 8.0 magnitude quake 93 Kilometers east of Yurimaguas, Peru. The quake struck 110 kilometers below ground. So far there has been a handful of fatal casualties, with one officially counted death, with over 20 people injured. The quake destroyed many old homes in Yurimaguas, Peru. Reports of panic in Lima, Peru led hundreds running to the streets at the capitol. The president of Peru, Martin Vizcarra, stated that the quakes affected "the entire Peruvian Jungle". Vizcarra has deployed air brigades and rescue teams to assist Peruvian citizens in the disaster.

The US Geological Survey concluded the quake struck with a magnitude of 8.0, while regional measurements (which are different than the US measurements) have the quake measured at 7.5. Peru and the region are known for earthquakes as parts of the nation and surrounding countries sit atop of the "Ring of Fire". The countries affected by this quake include Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Tremors were felt as far as Venezuela with some report claims from Puerto Rico. Other smaller magnitude quakes within the weeks affected Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.