The temblor prompted a tsunami alert for parts of Peru and neighbouring Chile that was eventually called off.

A powerful earthquake struck off Peru early on January 14, prompting a tsunami alert for parts of the country and neighbouring Chile that was eventually called off.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the temblor had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The epicenter was 42 km south-southwest of Acari, with the earthquake hitting at 9.18 a.m. GMT (2.48 p.m. IST) on January 14 at a depth of 12.1 km.

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre first issued a threat message that “hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts” and that larger-than-normal waves could hit Peru and Chile. But the centre then said in a later statement that “there is no longer a tsunami threat from this earthquake” and that the centre hadn’t observed any tsunami waves.