Earthquake Strikes Central Highlands of Peru, Causing Fatalities and Damage

An earthquake in the central highlands of Peru has resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to at least 20 more, as confirmed by authorities on Sunday. The disaster occurred in the Junín region near the rural district of Chongos Bajos at 9:24 p.m. on Saturday.

Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defense reported that the quake damaged or destroyed numerous homes and forced approximately 300 residents to seek refuge in a sports stadium due to ongoing aftershocks. The town’s 16th-century church and chapel also suffered damage, as reported by the local broadcaster, RPP.

The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 5.5 and noted a shallow depth of 6.2 miles. Peru’s National Geophysical Institute recorded a magnitude of 5.1 with a depth of approximately 15 miles. This earthquake is considered the most significant in the central highlands since 1969, when the area experienced quakes measuring 5.9 and 6 in magnitude, according to Hernando Tavera, head of Peru’s Geophysical Institute.

As of this year, 450 earthquakes have occurred in Peru, which is typical given the country’s seismic activity, Mr. Tavera noted. The recent quake disrupted electricity in towns near the epicenter, and several villages remained without power by Sunday, according to Luis Vásquez, head of the National Institute of Civil Defense, who spoke on Exitosa Noticias.

Mr. Tavera highlighted that the traditional adobe and straw homes, common in the Andes, are especially prone to collapse during such seismic events.