Peru earthquake
16 August 2007
Scientists monitoring seismic activity at the British Geological Survey (BGS) recorded the earthquake in Peru, which had a magnitude of 7·9 Mw.
The worst affected area seems to be around the coastal town of Ica, where a state of emergency has been declared. Latest news reports indicate that more than 300 people have been killed, buildings destroyed and power supplies cut off.
Dr Roger Musson, a seismologist at the BGS, said, "After the earthquake in 2001, which was on an adjacent section of the plate boundary to this earthquake, it was known that another large earthquake was likely to hit the region. No-one could predict exactly when it would happen, but we knew that there was a good chance it could occur within the coming decades."
More information about the earthquake and a seismogram can be found on the BGS website.
BGS is one of the Natural Environment Research Council's research centres.
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Briefing note: 16/07
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