A travel alert was issued yesterday for Peru after a large earthquake off the south-western Pacific coast killed at least one person and injured at least 65 as buildings collapsed.
The magnitude 7.1 tremor struck at 4.18am local time on Saturday at a depth of 22 miles, 40km south-west of Acari.
President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski sent rescue teams to verify the extent of the damage.
The areas affected in the regions of Arequipa, Ica and Ayacuchoare are mainly rural and blocked roads are slowing down aid.
Early reports that 17 people were missing at a collapsed mine were later discounted, the BBC reported.
In updated travel advice issued yesterday, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “On 14 January 2018 a 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Arequipa.
“Power cuts have been reported in Arequipa and Ica. There is no tsunami alert.”
The FCO added: “The Pope will visit Peru from 18 to 21 January 2018. Large numbers of people are expected to come to Peru during this period; travel and accommodation is likely to be very busy, so you should plan your journey accordingly.
“Large crowds might attract pick pockets/minor criminality so you should be vigilant and take care of personal belongings at all times.”