Large earthquake reported in central Peru

LIMA, Peru - A large 7-magnitude earthquake has struck a sparsely populated area of central Peru, the US Geological Survey said Sunday.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, said Mario Casareto, spokesman for Peru's fire agency. He said authorities were still surveying the region, including the Ayacucho area where the quake was centered.

The seismological service said in a preliminary report that the quake occurred at 2321GMT Sunday and was centered about 42 kilometers (26 miles) east-northeast of an area called Tambo, and about 471 kilometers (292 miles) Southeast of the capital of Lima. It had a depth of 58 kilometers (36 miles).

Local media said that the quake was felt in parts of Lima and in many major cities of southeastern Peru, including Cuzco and Arequipa.