5.5 magnitude earthquake in Peru kills 6 people

Junín Region, Peru

A powerful 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Peru’s central Andes on Saturday night, leaving at least six people dead, more than 30 injured, and hundreds displaced as emergency crews continued searching damaged communities and assessing the full scale of the destruction. The shallow earthquake, which struck at approximately 9:24 p.m. local time, was centered near the town of Sicaya in Peru’s Junín region, producing strong ground shaking that was felt across nearby provinces and causing widespread damage to homes, public buildings, and historic landmarks.

According to Peruvian authorities and the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers, making it relatively shallow and increasing its impact at the surface. Within moments of the shaking, residents rushed into the streets as buildings cracked, walls collapsed, and power outages were reported in some communities. Emergency officials said the worst damage was concentrated in the districts surrounding Sicaya, including Chongos Bajo, Pumpunya, and neighboring rural areas where many homes are built using traditional adobe construction.

The human toll quickly became apparent as rescue teams reached affected villages. Officials confirmed that at least six people lost their lives, while more than 30 others were injured with varying degrees of severity. Around 300 residents have been forced from their homes after buildings were declared unsafe or completely destroyed. Many families spent the night outdoors, fearing additional aftershocks and waiting for emergency assistance to arrive.

Preliminary damage assessments indicate that dozens of homes either collapsed or suffered severe structural damage. Authorities reported that at least 48 houses were destroyed and another 18 sustained significant damage. Roads and local infrastructure were also affected, complicating rescue efforts in several communities. Among the most significant losses was the collapse of the historic Santiago de León Church and former convent in Chongos Bajo, a national heritage site dating back to 1565. Other historic buildings and religious structures also suffered damage, highlighting the earthquake’s impact not only on local communities but also on Peru’s cultural heritage.

Officials believe the widespread use of adobe, or mud-brick construction, contributed to the extent of the destruction. Heavy rainfall in recent weeks may have further weakened many structures before the earthquake struck, leaving them more vulnerable to collapse during the intense shaking.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, civil defense teams, and members of Peru’s armed forces, were deployed across the affected region to search for survivors, clear debris, and provide aid to displaced residents. Temporary shelters have been established for families who can no longer return to their homes, while engineers continue inspecting damaged buildings to determine whether they remain safe.

Peru lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where the Nazca Plate is constantly moving beneath the South American Plate. As rescue operations continue and officials monitor ongoing aftershocks, authorities have cautioned that the number of casualties could change as inspections continue. For now, the country’s focus remains on supporting affected communities, restoring essential services, and helping families begin the difficult process of recovery after one of the region’s deadliest earthquakes in recent years.

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