7.3-magnitude earthquake hits near Peru

Lima [Peru], Jan 14 (ANI): An earthquake of 7.3 magnitude struck off Peru's coast on Sunday.

"Prelim M7.3 earthquake near the coast of southern Peru Jan-14 09:18 UTC," tweeted USGS Big Quakes.

The quake hit 31km south-southwest of Acari, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Several media reports state that a tsunami warning is in place near the epicentre of the quake.

Peru is located in the Ring of Fire, which is an area in the Pacific Ocean vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, tsunami waves are possible within 300 km of the epicentre along the coast of Peru. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI