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Town square of Arequipa after the devastating earthquake from 1868

19th Century Earthquakes

Records about Historical Earthquakes in Peru

In 1868 one of the strongest earthquakes (9.0) since the colonization hit the southern coast of Peru destroying almost completely Arica and Tacna as well as causing sever damages in Moquegua, Molendo, Ilo, Torata and Arequipa. Even Lima experienced strong shocks for around 5 minutes. Around 40,000 fatalities were reported. The tsunamis produced by the tremor with waves up to 16 m demolished the port city of Pisco.

19th Century Earthquakes

Earthquake 1st of December 1806 Lima

Lima experienced the strongest earthquake since 1746 with a magnitude of 8.4. The tremor lasted around two minutes destroying numerous building in the Lima – Callao region and causing a small tsunami.

Earthquake 10th of July 1821 Camana (Arequipa Province)

Over 160 fatalities and great damages reported due to an 8.2 earthquake in Camana, Ocoña, Chuquibamba and Majes Valley, located in the Arequipa province.

Earthquake 30th of March 1828 Lima

At 07.35 am a strong earthquake caused great damage to public buildings and residences in Lima. The ports of Callao, Chorrillos and Chancay were hit badly. 30 people died, numerous were injured. The damage was estimated over 30,000,000 pesos.

Earthquake 20th of August 1857 Piura

At 07.00 am Piura was shock by an intensive earthquake (8.0). Lots of buildings and residences were destroyed. At many places the earth burst open.

Earthquake 22nd of April 1860 Lima

A strong earthquake rattled Lima at 02.00 am in the morning. Many buildings in Lima itself and Chorrillos were damaged. Aftershocks hit the area for the following 4 days.

Earthquake 13th of August 1868 Arica (then Peru, today Chile)

One of the strongest earthquakes (9.0) since the colonization hit the southern coast of Peru destroying almost completely Arica and Tacna as well as causing sever damages in Moquegua, Molendo, Ilo, Torata and Arequipa. And even Lima experienced strong shocks for around 5 minutes. Around 40,000 fatalities were reported.

The tsunamis produced by the tremor with waves up to 16 m demolished the port city of Pisco, and even caused considerable damage in Hawaii and New Zealand. About 400 aftershocks could be recorded in the week following the quake.

Earthquake 20th of September 1897 Lima

A strong earthquake caused great damage in the Lima and Callao area. The shocks were felt as far as Ancon in the north and Pisco in the south.
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