An 8.4 magnitude earthquake shook southern Peru on June 23, 2001. The Peruvian regions of Arequipa, Moquega and Tacna were affected. Strong ground motions were also felt as far as Bolivia and northern Chile.

The earthquake occurred as thrust-faulting on the interface between the Nazca plate and the South American plate. The two converging plates have a history of causing a series of large-scale  earthquakes.

The earthquake killed 49 people, leaving 2,687 injured. In addition, 17,510 homes were destroyed and 35,549 homes were damaged. Landslides blocked highways in the epicentral area and many of the historical buildings in Arequipa were either damaged or destroyed.

I feel very fortunate to live in a country that is not prone to earthquakes. But although earthquakes happen without warning, we can still prepare for earthquakes. Be sure to have an evacuation plan, especially if you live in an area with a lot of earthquakes. Also, secure all cupboards and bookcases to the wall so that they will not fall on you during an earthquake and make sure you water heater is secured to a wall or it might start a fire. If we are prepared for natural disasters such as earthquakes, we increase our chances of surviving them.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_southern_Peru_earthquake

               http://www.drgeorgepc.com/Tsunami2001Peru.html

             http://www.thebeehive.org/emergencies/be-prepared               http://www.thebeehive.org/emergencies/emergency/typeemergencies/earthquakes?gclid=COWvtOGskqACFU5B6wodt,GKCcw