Peru earthquake: Tsunami warning for 3m tall waves after horror 7.2 magnitude disaster

Three people have been hospitalised after a giant 7.0 magnitude earthquake smashed Peru, according to authorities.

The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.2 quake early Friday was 5 miles west of Atiquipa, which is south of the capital Lima near the borders of Chile and Bolivia and it was about 17 miles deep. Three people have been hospitalised with minor injuries in Arequipa, the Acari Health Centre confirmed on social media.

According to the most recent data, it estimated that the tsunami waves were reaching from 1 to 3 m above the tide level along some parts of Peru's coast. “Based on all available data, hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts,” the centre said. They added there was no risk of a tsunami on the US West Coast.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PWTC) had also issued an alert warning of “possible” tsunami waves. However, it later dropped its warning saying there was no tsunami warning, advisory, or threat.

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Footage posted on social media from residents appears to homes and plant pots moving rapidly up and down as they begin to feel the full force of the tremors. Power outages are being reported by some residents in Yauca, Peru, with electricity being cut off for several minutes. Rockfalls have also been recorded, according to local media.

Peru Mayor Soto said landslides, blocked roads, and collapsed houses had been reported in the epicenter area of Yauca.

A tsunami warning has been issued after giant 7.0 magnitude quake smashes South America

Residents of Atiquipa said on Twitter they felt a very strong quake that caused their beds to shake. An aftershock of 4.2 magnitude was felt south of Lomas, Caraveli in Arequipa, the Peru National Seismological Centre confirmed. The tremor was felt as far as the capital, as the Peruvian Presidency confirmed that the government was monitoring the situation and evaluating any possible damage.

It estimated that the tsunami waves were reaching from 1 to 3 m above the tide level along some parts of Peru's coast

The earthquake comes as Peru is on the border of two tectonic plates such as the South American plate, which includes most of the continent, and the Nazca plate, which extends across the Pacific along most of the coast.