A powerful earthquake measured locally at 7.7 magnitude and at 7.5 by the US Geological Survey hit Peru's southern coast on Wednesday evening.

The quake struck at 6:41 PM (2341 GMT) about 150 kilometers southeast of the capital of Lima, the US Geological Survey said.

Local TV quoted Peru's geophysical institute as saying that the epicenter was 120 kilometers southwest of Lima.

The quake triggered panic in the streets as residents fled for safety. It also knocked out power in some areas.

There were no immediate reports of damages and injuries.

According to news reaching here, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for South America's Pacific coast based on the strength of the earthquake in Peru.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2007)