A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck central Peru late Saturday, killing at least five people and destroying dozens of homes, according to local authorities and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
Quake Details and Impact
The earthquake hit at approximately 9:24 p.m. local time at a depth of 13.67 miles (22 kilometers), with its epicenter located about seven kilometers south of Chupaca in the Junín region. The tremor was felt across several towns in the Mantaro Valley, including Huancayo, Concepción, and Jauja.
Dozens of houses collapsed in the worst-hit district of Pumpunya (also spelled Chongos Bajo), where rescue crews were deployed to search for survivors and recover victims. The death toll initially stood at two but rose to five as emergency teams worked through the rubble, with authorities warning the number could increase further.
Emergency Response
Peruvian authorities mobilized police, firefighters, medical teams, and local government officials to assist affected communities. Rescue operations focused on clearing debris and providing medical aid to the injured. The Peruvian Geophysics Institute (IGP) recorded the quake, while the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre provided magnitude and depth data.
Local media outlet Peru21 reported that the earthquake caused significant structural damage, particularly in rural areas with older building stock. The region is prone to seismic activity, but this event was notably destructive due to its shallow depth and proximity to populated areas.
Ongoing Developments
This is a breaking news story. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties. Residents are urged to remain cautious as aftershocks are possible. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
