7.5-magnitude earthquake hits Peruvian capital

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A powerful earthquake shook Peru's southern coast on Wednesday, toppling houses and causing panic in the capital. There were no immediate reports of injuries. The US Geological Survey said the 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit about 90 miles (150 kilometers) southeast of the capital of Lima. Peru's geophysical institute said the epicenter was 75 miles (120 kilometers) southwest of Lima. An Associated Press photographer reported some homes had collapsed in the center of the city and that many people had fled into the streets for safety. Another AP reporter said the quake shook the city for more than a minute. Callers to Radio Programas, Peru's main news station, said parts of several cities in southern Peru had been hit with blackouts.