May 24, 1940 Earthquake: Peru

On May 24, 1940, at 11:35 [local time] there was a very strong earthquake (magnitude 8) with source in the central regions of Peru; 179 were killed, and 3500 injured. The material damage has been estimated at 3.6 million sols. It was felt all over Peru and beyond to Guayaquil in the north and Arica in the south.

The tremors were strongest in the littoral zone to the north of Lima. There were many slides of loose material and rock falls on the western slopes of the Cordilleras. The settlements situated on alluvial soils on the terraces of the Chancay River (Canchapille was laid waste) and the Huaura River (Huascoy and Jumbilka were almost completely

destroyed), suffered most of all. Many buildings in Chancay (in particular, two churches collapsed), Huacho, Barranca, Lima, Callao, Chorrillos and Lurin were destroyed. It was mainly flimsy and dilapidated buildings which suffered. According to estimates, 38% of reed panel homes, 23% of adobe homes, 20% of brick homes, 9% of reinforced concrete buildings and 10% of buildings made of other materials were

destroyed in the pleistoseismic zone. The intensity of tremors at Lima was 7-8 degrees.

The following was reported from other places. The earthquake was weaker at Chosica than at Lima [7 degrees]. Homes sank to one side at Cajatambo [7]. At Huamey, Caiiete, Chincha and Pisco, there was moderate destruction, and there were strong tremors at Paramonga [6-7]. There was some damage at Yauyos and Huaitara, [6-7]; the earthquake was milder at Huancavelika, Pampas and Lircay [6]. There was a strong earthquake at Huancayo [5-6]. The earthquake was noticed at Satipo and Ojapampa. It was not strong at Santo Tomas and was accompanied by rumbling [4-5]. It was strong at Chachapoyas, Cajamarca, Chota and Mollendo [4-5]. At Cotahuasi, Cuzco and Puno it was felt with some intensity

[4-5]. It was light at Tayabamba [4]. It was also light at Moyobamba and Tarapoto [3-4]; not everyone noticed it at Arequipa [3-4]; there were long period oscillations at Guayaquil [3].

Apparently, oscillations in the sea level developed. According to the Chief of the Hydrographic Service in Peru, E. Zimich, they were stronger [in the Huaura-Chankay region?] than those of 17.X.1966.

The source of the earthquake was located under the earth's crust. There were no aftershocks, or in any case, no strong ones.

(above from reference #415)

Reference #1208 lists intensity X.

Reference #552 lists magnitude 8.4