Saturday December 27th will be etched in the memories of thousands of Peruvians. At 9:51 p.m., a magnitude 6.0 quake with an epicenter 67 kilometers west of Chimbote violently shook Santa province and was strongly felt in six regions, reaching intensity V in the epicentral city. The event was recorded at a depth of 52 kilometers, according to US intelligence Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP)triggered evacuations, property damage and a wave of fear that was widely documented in videos and social networks.
The most representative scene of collective panic was captured by a Chimbotana streamerknown on the networks for his relaxed and humorous shows. As he interacted with his followers that night, calm was suddenly replaced by fear. The tremor interrupted the transmission: “Oh, shaking! Hello, mom. Where are you?”He uttered before leaving the place amid noises, screams and the echoes of the seismic alarm.
Within seconds, the chat filled with worried messages, nervous jokes and calls for calm. The video, which quickly went viral, became one of the most-watched testimonies of the evening and reflected the vulnerability of thousands of Peruvians to the force of nature.
He earthquake It was strongly felt in Chimbote, Nepeña, Santa, Coishco and other districts of Áncash, causing falling objects, power outages and property damage to homes and businesses. Surveillance cameras for supermarkets and small businesses They captured the shocking moment: products falling off the shelves, customers running for the exits and workers trying to shelter under tables and pillars.
In one Student support party in Nuevo ChimboteThe earthquake caused panic. Images shared on social media show the music and laughter turning into screams and racing toward the doors. Some parents in interviews with local media stressed the importance of evacuation protocols and safe spaces to reduce risks during mass gatherings.
The first hours after the earthquake were marked by the deployment of civil protection teams, regional authorities and the like National Emergency Operations Center (COEN). The monitoring included tours in the most vulnerable areas of Chimbote, Nepeña, Santa and Coishco to check the condition of housing and infrastructure. Although the preliminary assessment showed no fatalities or serious structural damage, nervous breakdowns, anxiety in older adults and children, and damage to old buildings were recorded.
He Ministry of Health announced monitoring of facilities along the Ancash coast, while the Navy ruled out the threat of a tsunami to the coast. Fearing aftershocks, many families slept outside their homes and retailers closed early to assess damage and prevent accidents.
Just an hour after the main event, a severe aftershock of magnitude 4.1 was recorded, reigniting public nervousness. Authorities recommended remaining calm, implementing family evacuation plans and preparing an emergency backpack with basic supplies.
The head of the IGP, Hernando Tavera, recalled that Peru is on the border Pacific Ring of Fireone of the most active seismic zones in the world. “We cannot avoid earthquakes, but we can prepare. Prevention and safe construction save lives,” he emphasized.
He Magnitude 6.0 earthquake in Chimbote Not only did it leave material damage and widespread fear, but it also renewed the debate about the culture of earthquake prevention in the country. Experts and authorities emphasize the need to strengthen infrastructure, promote training in risk management and remain vigilant against future events.
He Chimbotano streamerLike thousands of citizens, they experienced first-hand the fear and uncertainty of a night that will remain anchored in the collective memory. His statement, spontaneous and humane, complements the authorities’ call: prepare, do not trust and remember that in an earthquake-prone country like Peru, prevention is the best ally in the face of the unpredictable violence of nature.
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