Magnitude 3.7 Earthquake Strikes Callao in Peru

Magnitude 3.7 Earthquake Strikes Callao and Lima Metropolitan Area

Residents in upper floors of buildings felt a magnitude 3.7 earthquake that struck the Provincia Constitucional del Callao on Monday afternoon, according to an official report by the Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP). The seismic event occurred at 3:24 p.m. on October 5, 2026, with its epicenter located 17 kilometers west of Callao at a depth of 59 kilometers. While the tremor produced no immediate reports of structural damage or injuries, it prompted the Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (Indeci) to reissue safety recommendations for the central coast region.

Tremor Registers Grade III Intensity in Callao

The tremor registered a maximum intensity of grade III on the Mercalli scale within Callao, meaning it was felt lightly by individuals inside homes and multi-story structures. Hernando Tavera, head of the Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP), stated that the epicenter positioned itself almost directly beneath Lima Metropolitana and Callao. Tavera explained that the intermediate depth of 59 kilometers allowed people situated in upper levels of residential buildings to perceive the shaking more distinctly than those at ground level. Tavera also noted that every tremor shows the country sits within a seismic zone, urging citizens to remain alert for critical scenarios.

Cada evento que ocurre en el país siempre nos recuerda que vivimos en un país sísmicos y tenemos estar que estar atentos, alertas a cualquier escenario crítico que pueda ocurrir. Es importante que siempre estemos listos o preparados, said Hernando Tavera.

Indeci Advises Residents on Emergency Safety Measures

Following the afternoon tremor, the Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (Indeci) emphasized the necessity of maintaining calm and verifying emergency supply kits. Indeci also advised residents to stay away from windows, shelves, and any utensils, appliances, or objects that might roll or fall onto evacuation paths. In instances where immediate outdoor evacuation is not possible, building occupants are instructed to shelter near structural columns or designated interior load-bearing walls.

Seismic Activity Along the Central Peruvian Coast

Seismological monitoring places this event within Peru’s active seismic zone, where tectonic plate interactions continuously generate low-to-moderate crustal movements, carrying coordinates of latitude -12.05 and longitude -77.27.