Powerful earthquakes hit Peru

Two powerful earthquakes within minutes of each other struck Peru shaking buildings in the capital and cutting power in some areas.

Two powerful earthquakes within minutes of each other struck Peru on Wednesday shaking buildings in the capital and cutting power in some areas.

HT Image

The first quake, with a magnitude of 7.7, hit about 20 miles west of Chincha Alta, at a shallow 11.2 miles (18 km) from the earth's surface, the US Geological Survey said.

It said the second had a magnitude of 7.5.

Office buildings in Lima shook in at least two different bouts that lasted around 20 seconds each, and workers ran out into the streets in fear, witnesses said.

The USGS says earthquakes measuring more than 7 magnitude often result in fatalities.