Pisco, Peru, Earthquake of August 15, 2007: Lifeline Performance

On August 15, 2007, at 6:40 P.M. local time, there was a magnitude (Mw) 8.0 earthquake off the coast of Southern Peru, about 145 km SSE of Lima, Peru. More than 4,500 aftershocks had been registered as of August 30, 2007, 30 of them had MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) between 3 and 5. The social economic impact of the earthquake was significant 519 people died and more than 1,300 injured. Tens of thousands of collapsed and damaged houses, churches, schools, and hospitals. The estimated economic losses were about $300 million (U.S.) including lifeline infrastructure losses. The hardest hit cities were Pisco, Chincha Alta, Cañete, and Ica. Damage was also observed in Yuayos, Huaytara, and Castrovirreyna. This report discusses in detail, the effects of this earthquake on lifeline systems in electric power, communication, water and wastewater, highways, ports, gas and fuel tanks, and emergency response. Lifeline systems within hospitals and educational institutions are also discussed. Most lifeline chapters start with an overview of the system performance, followed by sections that describe the system, its damage, emergency response, and recovery. Each chapter finishes with a conclusions and recommendations.