Huge 7.2-magnitude quake strikes off Peru

A tsunami alert was issued in Peru after a huge 7.2-magnitude quake struck.

Some coastal areas were warned to expect waves of up to 3m (9.8ft) high, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, but the warning was later cancelled.

The USGS raised an earlier magnitude rating soon after the tremor struck 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) from Atiquipa district.

There were no immediate damage reports from the authorities, but coastal areas were warned to brace for large waves.

However, the US national tsunami warning centre said there was no longer a threat, while Peru's president said the wave warning had been 'discarded'.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre had said earlier: 'Hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts,' adding waves could reach 'one to three metres'.

Peru, with some 33 million inhabitants, lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast area of intense seismic activity that runs along the west coast of the Americas.

As a result, the country is hit by hundreds of detectable quakes every year.

Some coastal areas were warned to expect waves of up to 3m (9.8ft) high, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, but the warning was later cancelled