A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific region of southern Peru late Tuesday, injuring 27 people and damaging buildings, officials said. No deaths were reported.

The US Geological Survey said the quake's epicentre was 20 km east-southeast of the town of Pampa de Tate, in the Ica region, at a depth of 56.5 km.

Peruvian defence minister Amadeo Flores visited the city and visited some damaged buildings, including San Luis Gonzaga University.

Earthquakes are common in Peru, as the country lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.