At least 6 dead, 21 injured after 2 earthquakes hit Peru

At least six people have died and 21 others have been injured following two earthquakes that struck a remote mountainous area of Peru, according to officials. The tremors occurred late Saturday in Chupaca province within the Junin region, approximately 300 kilometers east of Lima. The first quake measured 5.1 on the Richter scale, while the second registered 3.7, both recorded by Peru's National Seismological Centre. A discrepancy exists regarding the strength of the initial quake, as the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre initially reported its magnitude as 5.6. The first earthquake struck at a depth of 24 kilometers, followed by a second tremor at 18 kilometers beneath the surface. Luis Vasquez, head of Peru’s National Civil Defence Institute, stated during an interview with local radio station Exitosa that preliminary assessments indicated around 48 homes had been completely destroyed and 18 more sustained damage. These incidents impacted roughly 300 residents, many of whom have been relocated to temporary shelters equipped with tents. The affected communities in Chupaca typically reside in basic dwellings constructed using adobe bricks, which are particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. The sequence of events began with the first earthquake striking late Saturday evening, triggering immediate concern among local authorities and emergency services. Following this, a second, smaller quake struck shortly thereafter, compounding the challenges faced by rescue teams and increasing the risk of further structural collapse. Emergency personnel worked through the night to assess the situation and provide aid to those affected. Local infrastructure has been significantly impacted, with several homes rendered uninhabitable due to the quakes. Authorities have deployed resources to assist displaced families, including food supplies and medical care. The National Civil Defence Institute has coordinated efforts with local community leaders to ensure that all necessary support reaches those in need. Despite these measures, the situation remains critical, with ongoing evaluations needed to determine the full extent of the damage and the number of people still requiring assistance. Residents of the affected areas described the experience as sudden and intense, with many reporting that their homes shook violently before settling into a period of relative calm. Some individuals were unable to return home immediately due to safety concerns, while others have taken refuge with relatives or friends. Community members expressed relief that no additional casualties had been reported beyond the initial count, though they remain anxious about potential aftershocks. Peru's National Seismological Centre continues to monitor the region for any signs of further seismic activity. Officials have urged residents to stay alert and follow official guidelines to minimize risks associated with future tremors. In addition, discussions are underway regarding long-term solutions to improve housing resilience in seismically active zones, particularly in rural areas where building standards may not meet modern safety requirements. As the investigation into the earthquakes progresses, officials emphasize the importance of preparedness and community awareness in mitigating the impact of such natural disasters. With the affected population receiving essential aid and support, attention turns toward assessing the broader implications of these events and implementing strategies to enhance disaster response capabilities in the region.