Moderate earthquake shakes city in southern Peru

AREQUIPA, Peru (Reuters) - A moderate earthquake rattled Peru's second-largest city of Arequipa on Saturday and sent residents rushing out of their homes, but there were no immediate reports of damage, witnesses said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter of the 5.4- magnitude quake was 17 miles (28 km) from Moquegua, a copper-rich province near Arequipa, at a depth of 34 miles (54 km).

A cloud of dust shrouded the city soon after the quake due to mudslides at the Misti volcano, witnesses said, and city residents reported telephone connection problems.

Arequipa is about 445 miles (720 km) southeast of Lima, the capital. The historic center of the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.