USGS: Magnitude 7.5 earthquake strikes northern Peru

LIMA, Peru – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 struck northern Peru early Sunday, damaging some buildings and blocking several roads with rubble. While the quake was extremely strong, it was relatively deep – measured at 70 miles – which usually reduces the possibility of damage and casualties. Part of a 16th century church in La Jalca district in the Amazon region collapsed and three people were lightly injured, Mayor Walter Culqui told Peru’s RPP radio. Falling stones blocked several highways.