Shallow quake in Peru kills at least 4, including US tourist

At least seven people have died and 40 have been injured in southern Peru after a magnitude 5.4 quake struck near the town of Chivay.

The natural disaster knocked down about 50 homes and cut off roads and power in the southern Arequipa region.

The natural disaster occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles at about 10 a.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Osorio, the governor of Arequipa, called for food and clothing to be airlifted to people left homeless by the quake. The minister of Health, Patricia Salas, said that victims with serious injuries would be airlifted to the city by helicopter.

The worst affected districts are Ichupampa, Yanque, Achoma and Maca.

Local mayor Anastasia Suyco told RPP that about 60 percent of buildings in the village had been destroyed.

The state government is transporting equipment to clear roads blocked by rubble, Osorio said.

Earthquakes are common in Peru.

The USGS reported the quake as having a 5.4 magnitude. The epicenter was 4.3 miles west of the town of Chivay.

Two major 7.6-magnitude earthquakes jolted eastern Peru near its border with Brazil in November.