A powerful earthquake sequence in central Peru has resulted in confirmed fatalities and significant structural damage. The seismic activity has prompted an urgent response from local emergency services.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing data from the National Seismological Center, two consecutive tremors struck the Chupaca province in the Junin region, registering magnitudes of 5.1 and 3.7. The epicenter of the seismic activity was located approximately 300 kilometers east of the capital, Lima.
Reports indicate that the natural disaster has claimed at least 6 lives, with 21 others sustaining injuries of varying severity. Luis Vasquez, head of civil defense, stated that preliminary assessments reveal 48 homes have been completely destroyed, while an additional 18 residences have sustained severe damage. Consequently, approximately 300 people have been displaced and are currently being housed in temporary shelters.
Rescue teams and firefighters have been deployed to the affected area and are continuing search and rescue operations for individuals potentially trapped under the rubble.
Experts note that a significant portion of the residential housing in the affected region is constructed from brick and mud, making them highly vulnerable to seismic activity. Peru is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is recognized as one of the most seismically active zones in the world, frequently exposing the nation to significant earthquake risks.
