Shallow M6.7 earthquake hits near Upahuacho, Peru

A shallow M6.7 earthquake was recorded at 18:00 UTC on August 20, 2026, approximately 38 km (24 miles) northwest of Upahuacho, Peru, at a depth of 66.7 km (41.4 miles), as reported by the USGS.

The event’s epicenter was located at 14.6°S, 73.6°W, placing it in the southern Peruvian Andes, a region characterized by mountainous terrain and rural communities. Upahuacho is a small town in the Ayacucho region, and the surrounding area is lightly populated.

Critical infrastructure in this region generally consists of rural highways, smaller energy installations, and agricultural facilities. Major airports or seaports are not located in the immediate vicinity.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its inland location and available data.

One felt report was received. The significance index is 691 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Southern Peru is situated near the convergent boundary where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate, making it one of the most seismically active zones in South America. The region is prone to shallow and intermediate-depth earthquakes.

This information was last updated at 18:18 UTC on August 20, 2026.