Coastal Peru experiences 6.9 earthquake

A strong earthquake with a magnitude 6.9 struck the Pacific coast of Peru Friday but apparently did not trigger a tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said in a written statement the quake did not have the likely potential to create a tidal wave, but said local authorities around the port city of Ica should remain on guard. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage; however, the shaking was felt up and down the Peruvian coast. The U.S. Geological Survey said the shaker struck shortly before 3 p.m., local time, and was centered 32 miles southwest of Ica.