Posted on 08/15/2007 5:25:02 PM PDT by Dog
LIMA (Reuters) - Two powerful earthquakes within minutes of each other struck Peru on Wednesday shaking buildings in the capital and cutting power in some areas.
The first quake, with a magnitude of 7.7, hit about 20 miles (33 km) west of Chincha Alta, at a shallow 11.2 miles (18 km) from the earth's surface, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
It said the second had a magnitude of 7.5.
Office buildings in Lima shook in at least two different bouts that lasted around 20 seconds each, and workers ran out into the streets in fear, witnesses said.
The USGS says earthquakes measuring more than 7 magnitude often result in fatalities.
Have a good friend down there on vacation...darn, darn,darn....
Prayers that your friend is safe!
Oh no, Knitting.
That’s a strong quake. If it happened in a populated area there has to be major casualties.
Not sure where she’s supposed to be, either...so I will be on pins and needles until I hear from her...
Well we will worry with you.
And don’t forget, the Space Shuttle was above Peru at the time of the earthquakes. They haven’t declassified the EarthQuaker carried aboard the shuttle yet.
Expect Richard Hoagland to call into tonight’s Coast To Coast Without Art Bell.
Bush’s fault, no doubt.
Hey! That hurts! ;-)
I hope all is well, and that your friend is fine. :-)
When I visited Peru (Cuzco, to see Machu Picchu) I was shown the unique shapes the Incas used in their building materials (they cut the rocks into keystone shapes) to help their buildings withstand the frequent earthquakes. I hope modern day builders down there have been just as cautious in their planning.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.