Second quake hits Peru

Twelve days after an 8.1-magnitude eathquake rocked southern Peru, another smaller earthquake struck the region causing hundreds of already severely damaged homes to collapse, local officials said.

No injuries were immediately reported, but panicking residents rushed into the streets when the magnitude 6 quake struck yesterday near the town of Caraveli, 347 miles southeast of the capital, Lima.

‘‘Thank God, there are no injuries,’’ said the local mayor. But the latest tremor knocked down about 325 structures which were already on the verge of collapse.

More building damage was also reported in the coastal city of Tacna, 600 miles southeast of Lima.

At least 75 people died in last month’s earthquake.