Earthquake in Peru’s Central Highlands Causes Widespread Damage

Peru experienced a significant earthquake late Saturday night, marking the largest quake in the central highlands in nearly five decades. The United States Geological Survey reported a 5.5 magnitude, while Peru’s National Geophysical Institute recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 5.1. The quake occurred at a depth ranging from 6.2 miles to approximately 15 miles according to different estimates.

The earthquake impacted the Junín region, specifically near the rural district of Chongos Bajos. The aftermath saw six fatalities and at least 20 individuals injured. Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defense confirmed that more than 300 people sought shelter in a sports stadium due to ongoing aftershocks.

Properties throughout the region were severely affected, with many homes either damaged or destroyed. Notably, the damage extended to historical structures, impacting the town’s 16th-century church and chapel. Luis Vásquez, head of the National Institute of Civil Defense, reported persistent electricity outages in areas surrounding the epicenter, with several villages still grappling with power loss.

Hernando Tavera, lead of Peru’s Geophysical Institute, discussed the vulnerability of traditional adobe and straw buildings in the Andes. He noted these homes are particularly susceptible to collapse during seismic activity. With Peru being subject to frequent earthquakes, the event is part of the approximately 450 quakes recorded this year. Despite its earthquake-prone nature, Saturday’s temblor was notably the largest in the region since the quakes of similar or larger magnitudes in 1969.