Earthquake Strikes Peru's Chupaca Province
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Peru on July 19, 2026, killing at least five people and injuring 11 others, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at 2:24 a.m. UTC, approximately two kilometers west-southwest of Sicaya, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre recorded the magnitude as 5.6.
The quake was most strongly felt in the Chupaca province of the Junin region. Local government officials reported that the tremor was felt in the districts of Chupaca, Ahuac, Chongos Bajo, Huachac, Huamancaca Chico, San Juan de Yscos, San Juan de Jarpa, Tres de Diciembre, and Yanacancha. A USGS map indicated that the tremor was felt less intensely in Lima, the capital, which is approximately 200 kilometers away.
Structural Damage and Casualties
Several homes and buildings collapsed, raising fears that people may be trapped under the rubble. Harrowing footage from the scene showed crushed animals, including cattle, killed by falling debris. Residents fled their homes and were seen standing or sitting among the rubble, wrapped in blankets as overnight temperatures dropped to 4°C.
After the initial strong tremor, three aftershocks were recorded, according to local news outlet Peru21. The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported power outages in various areas of the districts of Sapallanga, Chilca, Chongos Bajo, Cullhuas, Acostambo, Pazos, and Huaribamba.
Regional Context
This earthquake comes months after devastating back-to-back tremors hit Venezuela in June 2026, which killed 5,069 people, according to the Venezuelan government. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez described that disaster as the “most brutal natural catastrophe” in the country’s history. Rescue workers continue to clear debris and search through rubble in Venezuela as the death toll rises.
