A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Peru's Andes region on Monday, killing at least five people and injuring dozens, according to the country's National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI). The quake hit at a depth of 10 kilometers near the town of Ayaviri in the Puno region, about 850 kilometers southeast of the capital Lima.
Impact and Casualties
The earthquake caused widespread damage in rural communities, with at least 30 homes destroyed and over 200 others affected. INDECI reported that the five fatalities occurred in remote villages where adobe houses collapsed. Dozens of people were treated for injuries at local health centers, with two in critical condition.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte said in a statement, "We are deploying all available resources to assist the affected families. Our priority is to ensure medical care and shelter for those who have lost their homes."
Infrastructure Damage
The quake triggered landslides that blocked sections of the Pan-American Highway, disrupting transport in the region. Emergency crews worked to clear debris and restore access. Power outages were reported in several towns, and water supply systems were damaged. The Ministry of Education suspended classes in three provinces as a precaution.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake was felt across a wide area, including in the cities of Juliaca and Puno. Aftershocks of magnitude 3.5 and 4.1 were recorded within hours.
Response and Recovery
INDECI sent search and rescue teams, along with medical supplies and food, to the hardest-hit areas. The government allocated emergency funds for reconstruction. Local authorities urged residents to stay in safe zones and avoid damaged structures.
Peru lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic activity. The country experiences frequent earthquakes, but damage is often limited due to building codes. However, in remote Andean villages, many structures are made of adobe and are vulnerable to collapse.
