Powerful earthquake rocks northern Peru

A powerful earthquake struck northern Peru on Sunday, cutting power and phone service for much of the region. Officials report at least one person has died.

The earthquake was felt throughout Peru's northern coast and as far away as Bogota, Colombia.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.5 magnitude earthquake centred 700 kilometres north the capital, Lima.

But the epicentre of the quake was located about 100 km underground and therefore it did not produce significant damage, scientists said.

"The quakes that occur at such depths are usually felt far in the Andean region," explained Hernando Tavera, a spokesperson for the Geophysical Institute of Peru. "But they usually generate just a jolt that does not cause extensive damage on the surface."

"So far we have received no reports of any injuries or material damage," said Kelly Castano, a spokeswoman for Colombia's National Seismology Center.

It was one of the strongest earthquakes in Peru since a devastating 8.1-magitude quake hit the Arequipa province in southern Peru in June 2001, killing at least 75 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.