USGS: Magnitude-7.5 earthquake strikes northern Peru

Lima, v 28 (AP) An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 struck rrn Peru early Sunday, damaging some buildings and blocking several roads with rubble.

While quake was extremely strong, it was relatively deep — measured at 112 kilometers (70 miles) — which usually reduces possibility of dam and casualties.

quake occurred at 5:52 a.m. (1052 GMT) and its epicenter was in Amazon region, 42 kilometers (26 miles) rth rthwest of coastal city of Barranca. It had a magnitude of 7.5, according to U.S. Geological Survey.

Part of a 16th century church in La Jalca district in Amazon region collapsed and three people were lightly injured, Mayor Walter Culqui told Peru's RPP radio.

Falling stones blocked several highways in Amazonas and Cajamarca regions in Peru, and tremor was felt nearly 800 kilometers (500 miles) away in capital of Lima, where some people rushed out of ir homes in alarm.

A church in Loja municipality in neighbouring Ecuador was also partly damd.

Earthquakes are common in Peru, which falls within Pacific Ring of Fire where 85% of planet's seismic activity takes place.

MRJ