Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Peru's national civil defense institute (INDECI) confirmed on Saturday evening that the magnitude-4.3 earthquake that struck off Peru's coast did not cause any injuries or damage to buildings.

Nevertheless, INDECI affirmed it was monitoring certain areas in the city to make sure citizens did not require any assistance.

"Through the National Emergencies Operation Center, INDECI, in coordination with Civil Defense Committees is monitoring areas to address any emergency," affirmed the agency in a press release.

It added that it was on alert to help anyone that may need assistance because of a natural disaster or any other emergency.

While the U.S. Geological Survey reported that a 4.5 earthquake struck 43 kilometers (27 miles) southwest of the port of Callao, Peru's state Geophysics Institute said it was a magnitude-4.3.

The earthquake startled citizens across Lima as shaking began at 3:40 p.m.

While the capital's communications system did not collapse as it did after the August 15 earthquake, it was reported that cellular phone lines were down between 5 and 10 minutes.