A recent string of powerful earthquakes has shaken South America, raising concerns among scientists. In late June 2026, a major tremor struck Venezuela. A month and a half later, a large earthquake rattled Colombia. Following these events, a 6.7 magnitude quake hit Peru, just as predicted. At the center of this chain reaction? The Nazca Plate.
This huge chunk of the Earth's crust sits beneath the Pacific Ocean and constantly pushes against the South American continent. But the full picture has more layers than a single cause.
This gallery explains why the Nazca Plate’s movement has caused some of the strongest and most destructive earthquakes ever recorded, and how it could trigger major ones in the future. For more, click through now.