A TSUNAMI warning was issued for South America's Pacific coast after an earthquake shook Peru today, killing at least 17 people.
A tsunami warning has been issued for South America's Pacific coast after a strong earthquake and at least three aftershocks struck off the central coast of Peru, sending workers running out of shaking buildings in the capital, Lima.
Al Jazeera's Gabriel Elizondo said aftershocks were continuing and early reports indicated no major casualties.
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The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii issued the tsunami alert for Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia late on Wednesday after the 7.5-strong quakes struck late on Wednesday.
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Witnesses said the tremors shook buildings in two bouts, lasting between 20 seconds and two minutes each, followed by several aftershocks.
Peruvian officials said there were no immediate reports of fatalities but there were fears that the strong temblor would have been deadly for shanty towns surrounding the capital.
The earthquake cut power lines and disrupted water services in Lima.
Local media reported a fire in one district in the capital and homes destroyed in Pisco, a poor township near the epicentre.
The health ministry declared a disaster as ambulances and rescue workers rushed to the city.
"People here hugging and crying in fear on the streets," said Cristyane Marusiak, a resident.
The US Geological Survey said the quake hit about 40km northwest of Chincha Alta.
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