Strong Earthquake Strikes Off the Coast of Peru

The Congress building in Peru was evacuated due to a strong earthquake near the country's shores. Local radio reported that the Vice President of Congress suspended the session and urged everyone to leave the parliament building during a speech by the Minister of Economy before the lawmakers because of the earthquake. The earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter at a depth of 49 km, less than 100 km from the capital Lima. There have been no reports of injuries, casualties, or damage due to the earthquake.