Earthquake Strikes Peru as Philippines Volcano Erupts

Quake Predicted by Researcher

An earthquake measured at 7.9 by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration struck Peru on June 23. As of June 24, the death toll stood at fifty but was expected to rise as reports came in from devastated areas.

The quake damaged Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, but not as gravely as had been feared at first. The nearby community of Moquegua received more extensive damage. The quake was felt in neighboring Bolivia and Chile, and intitially caused concern that it had generated a tsunami, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a series of bulletins. However, the danger was found to be minimal.

Earthquake researcher Jim Berkland predicted this quake almost to the day. Berkland stated on his website on June 19, 2001 that “Globally, there will be a major (7+M) quake, probably within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 80 percent of stronger earthquakes occur. So far this year, seven of eight major events have been within a Seismic Window based upon tidal forces.” This prediction covered the June 21-27 period.

Meanwhile, indicating that the Pacific Ring of Fire remains active, the Mayon volcano erupted dramatically within hours of the Peruvian earthquake. Mayon is one of 22 active volcanos in the Philippines and became active in January.

The Philippines Institute of Vulcanology raised the alert level around the volcano from three to four. According to the institute, this means that “a hazardous, explosive eruption is possible within hours to days.”

For more Peruvian earthquake news from the Lima Post, click here.

To read more about the Philippines volcano from the Philippine Star, click here.

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