WATCH: Newscaster Braves Through Broadcast During Peru Earthquake

A Peruvian radio newscaster gained widespread attention online for remaining composed during a recent earthquake in the country. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, when a magnitude 6.7 quake hit near the town of Aniso in the Ayacucho region. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake's epicenter was approximately 31 kilometers northwest of Aniso, and it struck at around 01:00 p.m. local time. The Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) initially reported the event as a magnitude 7.2, though later revised the assessment. The quake resulted in no confirmed fatalities, with at least three individuals injured and damage reported to multiple structures, including residential homes, schools, and medical facilities. Katyusca Torres Aybar, a journalist and news broadcaster at Peru’s Exitosa 95.5 FM, was on air at the time of the earthquake. She was stationed on the sixth floor of the radio station’s building in Lima when the tremor began. Footage released by the radio station captures Torres Aybar calmly continuing her broadcast despite the shaking. In the video, she urged her audience to remain calm and reminded them to prepare emergency kits. “We talk about this every day here at Exitosa. Please, let’s stay calm. We ask the public to put into action what they’ve already prepared,” she said. She demonstrated an emergency backpack, unpacking a portable radio from it as staff members exited the studio. Torres Aybar emphasized the importance of staying calm during emergencies, stating that previous experiences with earthquakes have shown the value of composure. “The most important thing is to give security to all the population that is connected through radio,” she added. She also highlighted the role of the radio station in keeping the public informed throughout the crisis. “The radio station that will keep you informed 24 hours a day, live here on Radio Exitosa,” she concluded. This was not the first time Torres Aybar had maintained her calm demeanor during an earthquake while broadcasting. A video montage shared by Radio Exitosa showed her demonstrating similar behavior during quakes in 2021 and 2025. In a subsequent interview with the Latin American news channel DNews, she elaborated on the significance of emergency preparedness in Peru. She noted that the country’s Geophysical Institute projects that it has been 52 years since a magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck, suggesting that another major quake could occur within the coming years. This has led to increased awareness among Peruvians regarding disaster readiness. Torres Aybar explained that Peru faces unique challenges, particularly related to informal construction. She stated that eight out of ten homes in the country are built informally, making them more susceptible to structural failure during severe earthquakes. “If there were a magnitude 8.0 earthquake here in Lima, everything would collapse, everything would be destroyed, and the public is aware of this,” she said. To address these concerns, she and her team promote an initiative encouraging residents to maintain emergency backpacks containing essential supplies such as food, blankets, and medication. A battery-powered radio is also included, as she cited Spain’s nationwide blackout in 2025 as an example of its utility. The incident has sparked discussions about the role of media in promoting public safety during natural disasters. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are monitoring the extent of the damage and assessing the need for additional support to affected communities. Meanwhile, the actions of Katyusca Torres Aybar have reinforced the importance of preparedness and calm in times of crisis.