The earthquake hit the town of Chongos Bajo, about 300 kilometres east of Lima, with its epicentre at a depth of 24 kilometres, according to the Peruvian Geophysical Institute.

The quake destroyed 48 homes and left around 300 people homeless, according to Luis Vasquez, head of Peru's National Civil Defence Institute, who said the earthquake's shallow depth and the prevalence of adobe homes contributed to the extensive damage.

Peru is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region that stretches across the Pacific Ocean and is known for frequent seismic activity.

Seismologists say Peru experiences at least 400 earthquakes each year, although most are too weak to be felt by residents.