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27th March 2014, 23:00

Geologist warns that Peru's next earthquake could be a big one

March 25, 2014

By Hannah Vickers

Readers in Peru are advised to prepare for a large scale earthquake.

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There have been 50 tremors across Peru recently (Photo: Google maps/Peru.Com)

Geologist Patricio Valderrama warns that Peru’s latest tremors are a sign that the next earthquake will be a big one.

There have been more than 50 tremors in Peru over the past few days, something which Peruvian geologist and volcanologist, Valderrama suggests could mean that a big earthquake is on its way.

Valderrama says that there has been a long seismic silence in Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, Lima, and Tacna, with only small tremors taking place for a while.

“The small tremors don’t release the energy of a bigger one. To release the same amount of energy required for one (an earthquake) of 8 (on the Richter scale), there would need to be 30 (earthquakes) of 7,” he said to ’90 segundos matinal’ of Frecuencia Latina.

This means that the small quakes are a warning that later there will be a large scale earthquake in Peru that will affect all parts of the country, according to Peru.Com.

“Our preparation must be constant,” Valderrama added.

A major concern is that some buildings, particularly in slum areas, will not be able to withstand a heavy earthquake. Valderrama said that with an earthquake registering 8 or more on the Richter scale, 70% of homes would collapse, potentially causing the deaths of thousands.

While not wanting to be alarmist, Peru this Week would like to advise our readers in Peru to be prepared for an earthquake, with an emergency kit and escape route organized.

http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-geologist-warns-that-perus-next-earthquake-could-be-big-one-102601