Earthquakes in Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru with 11 million people, sits directly above the Nazca-South American subduction zone — one of the most seismically productive in the world. Peru's seismic history includes events up to M9.5 (1960, neighboring Chile) and the city experiences frequent felt earthquakes from the subducting Nazca Plate.
Why Does Lima Face Earthquake Risk?
Lima is built partly on ancient river terraces and partly on soft coastal sediments that amplify earthquake shaking. The Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate at a rate of ~7 cm per year, generating frequent earthquakes. A seismic gap off Lima's coast has been identified as capable of generating a M8.5+ earthquake.
Active Fault Systems
- Nazca-South American Subduction Zone
- Lima Fault System
Safety Advice
Peru's IGP (Geophysical Institute) monitors seismicity and issues warnings. Lima does not yet have a functioning earthquake early warning system. Know your building's seismic rating and identify your nearest open space for earthquake shelter.
Historical Earthquake Context
Lima has been severely damaged by earthquakes in 1687, 1746 (which also generated a devastating tsunami), and 1940. The 1974 Lima earthquake (M8.1) killed 78 people. Peru's 2007 Ica earthquake (M8.0) killed 514 people just 300 km south of Lima.
Fault Maps & Tectonic Setting
Tectonic and seismic hazard maps from Wikimedia Commons, USGS, and NASA — open licenses (CC / Public Domain)
Maps sourced from Wikimedia Commons, USGS, and NASA under open licenses. Attribution required where specified. Click any map to enlarge.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lima at risk from a major earthquake?
Yes. Scientists have identified a seismic gap off Lima's coast that could generate an M8.5+ earthquake. Lima's last truly major earthquake was in 1746, and the accumulated stress on the fault represents a significant hazard to the city of 11 million people.
Why does Lima have high earthquake risk?
Lima sits directly above the Nazca Plate subducting beneath the South American Plate at 7-8 cm per year. The Lima seismic gap — a portion of the subduction zone that has not ruptured significantly since 1746 — represents one of South America's highest-priority earthquake hazards, capable of a M8.5+ event.
How seismically active is Lima?
Lima and surrounding coastal Peru experience multiple moderate earthquakes per year. Most M5-6 events occur offshore in the subduction zone and are felt across the city. The soft alluvial sediments beneath Lima's older neighborhoods amplify shaking significantly compared to harder ground zones.
Are there tsunami risks near Lima?
Yes. Lima's Callao port area and the Costa Verde coastal highway face tsunami inundation risk from a large Peruvian subduction earthquake. Peru's INDECI publishes tsunami hazard maps and evacuation routes for coastal Lima districts. If you feel prolonged strong shaking near the coast, move inland immediately.
What should I do during an earthquake in Lima?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table or against an interior wall. After shaking stops, avoid elevators and exit using stairs. If you are in a coastal district and shaking was very strong, move inland and uphill without waiting for an official tsunami warning. Follow Peru's IGP and INDECI for aftershock information.
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