Magnitude-6.8 earthquake shakes northern Peru

By Laura Gamba

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BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - A magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck the Peruvian Amazon early Thursday, according to the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP).

No damage or injuries were immediately reported.

The IGP said the quake occurred at 10.58 a.m. and its epicenter was 90 kilometers (56 miles) east of Sta. Maria De Nieva, Condorcanqui, at a depth of 139 kilometers (86 miles).

Authorities said it shook houses and businesses in the Amazon cities. The tremor was also felt in neighboring Ecuador.

Earthquakes in Peru are common as the country is located in a seismic zone called the Ring of Fire -- an area that extends along the west coast of the American continent.

Authorities have recommended that residents carry an emergency backpack with basic elements in case of an eventual disaster.