Arequipa

The city of Arequipa was founded on August 15, 1540, by the Spanish conquistador Garci Manuel de Carbajal. Arequipa is situated in southern Peru and is known as the "White City" due to its many colonial-era buildings constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone. The city's founding marked an important moment in the Spanish colonization of Peru, and Arequipa has since grown to become Peru's second largest city. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On August 13, 1868, a massive earthquake estimated to have been magnitude 8.5–9.0 struck near Arica, then part of Peru, which affected cities across southern Peru, including Arequipa. The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. It was followed by a tsunami that impacted the coast. The disaster highlighted the seismic vulnerability of Civil War-era structures in the region. Reconstruction efforts led to improvements in building techniques to withstand future quakes.

The Treaty of Ancón was signed on October 20, 1883, effectively ending the War of the Pacific between Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. Although the war ended in 1883, Arequipa was affected by the occupation and conflict tensions until the return from Chilean rule in 1884. The war and its aftermath were pivotal in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region, impacting trade routes and local economies.

On June 27, 1956, Arequipa was hit by a significant earthquake of magnitude 7.0. The earthquake caused widespread damage to many of the city's traditional sillar buildings. Despite the destruction, Arequipa showed resilience and went through significant rebuilding efforts. The 1956 earthquake served as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity and led to reforms in building codes to improve safety standards for future construction.

The 2001 southern Peru earthquake struck near the town of Arequipa on June 23, 2001. With a magnitude of 8.4, it was one of the most powerful earthquakes in Peru's history. The earthquake resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, buildings, and historical sites, including churches and bridges. The event prompted international aid and relief efforts, and led to discussions on improving earthquake preparedness and resilience in the region.

On December 4, 2010, the historic Calicanto Bridge in Arequipa collapsed due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The bridge, built in the 16th century, was one of the city's iconic structures. Its collapse was a significant loss to the local heritage and highlighted the challenges of preserving ancient infrastructure in the face of climate change and natural disasters. The incident sparked debates on heritage conservation and the need for investment in maintaining historical landmarks.

On August 15, 2016, an earthquake measuring 5.4 in magnitude shook the region of Arequipa. The quake happened on the anniversary of the city's founding and caused significant damage especially in rural areas. Several homes were damaged or destroyed, and the quake prompted emergency responses and evaluations of building safety. This earthquake highlighted the continued seismic risks in the region and the need for proactive measures to minimize damage in future events.

On January 14, 2019, an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck eastern Peru but was felt strongly across large parts of South America, including Arequipa. Although the epicenter was distant, the tremor was a stark reminder of the region's seismic activity and vulnerability. The earthquake prompted a review of emergency preparedness and response strategies across municipalities in the region.

A massive landslide occurred in the region of Arequipa on July 24, 2019, blocking the Pan-American Highway. This important thoroughfare connects much of Peru, and its blockage severely affected transportation and logistics. The landslide was attributed to seasonal heavy rainfall and raised concerns about climate change and infrastructure resilience. Clearing the highway took days, impacting local economies reliant on road transport.

On April 17, 2021, Peruvian authorities issued an alert for increased activity at the Sabancaya volcano near Arequipa. Volcanic ash emissions were recorded, affecting air quality and visibility across the region. People were advised to remain cautious due to potential eruptions and disruptions to daily life. The event highlighted the impact of volcanic activity on communities and the importance of monitoring volcanoes in this tectonically active region.