Recent earthquakes near Lima
Lima sits directly above the Nazca-South American subduction zone, one of the world's most active megathrust boundaries, which lies just offshore to the west. The city has been struck by great earthquakes throughout its history, including the 1746 event that destroyed it and its port, Callao. Seismologists note a long-term buildup of strain along this segment of the coast. In the past 24 hours, Lima has recorded 1 earthquake, the largest an M4.5 (63 km WSW of Santiago, Peru).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.5 | Sep 12, 08:46 UTC | 24 km | 63 km WSW of Santiago, Peru |
Notable recent activity
An M4.5 earthquake struck 63 km WSW of Santiago, Peru at 08:46 UTC on Sep 12 at a depth of 24 km.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lima at risk of a big earthquake?
Yes. Lima lies above a locked segment of the Nazca subduction zone that has not produced a great earthquake since 1746. Peruvian scientists regard the accumulated strain as a source of a potential future magnitude 8 or larger event.
Does Lima get earthquakes often?
Lima feels earthquakes regularly, most of them small to moderate, because it sits directly above the offshore subduction interface. Larger damaging events have occurred throughout the city's history.
What was the biggest earthquake in Lima?
The October 28, 1746 earthquake, estimated at magnitude 8.5 or greater, destroyed Lima and generated a tsunami that devastated Callao. It remains the largest known earthquake to strike the city directly.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.