Six dead and 21 injured after 5.1 magnitude earthquake in Peru

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Peru late Saturday night, killing six people and injuring 21 others, according to the National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci). The tremor occurred at 21:24 local time on July 18 with its epicenter located in the district of Chongos Bajo, within the province of Chupaca in the Junín region. The quake hit at a depth of 24 kilometers and caused damage to infrastructure and collapsed homes. Approximately 20 minutes later, a smaller aftershock measuring 3.7 shook the Junín area again, this time with an epicenter 14 kilometers southwest of Chupaca. Emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected areas. Over 250 personnel from specialized units and more than 50 members of the Volunteer Firefighters Corps have mobilized to conduct search and rescue operations, remove debris, evacuate affected individuals, provide pre-hospital care, and assist communities hardest hit by the disaster. Authorities confirmed that efforts continue around the clock to locate survivors and ensure safety in the impacted zones. The earthquake struck during a period of heightened political transition in Peru. Keiko Fujimori, who will assume the presidency on July 28, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the government to maintain all necessary efforts to protect citizens and support those affected. In a statement posted on social media, Fujimori praised the actions taken by the Council of Ministers and called for continued commitment to addressing the crisis effectively. The Junín region has faced similar seismic activity before, though this quake appears to be among the strongest recorded in recent years. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of preparedness and rapid response mechanisms following such incidents. Infrastructure assessments are ongoing, with officials monitoring potential risks to public buildings, roads, and utilities. Residents in nearby districts described the shaking as sudden and intense, with some reporting power outages and water supply disruptions. Emergency shelters have been set up in several locations, and aid organizations are working alongside government agencies to distribute supplies and medical assistance. Communication networks remain stable, allowing for continuous updates and coordination between emergency services. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that police forces are maintaining security in the affected regions while supporting rescue operations. Officials have warned that additional challenges could arise due to weather conditions, which may complicate recovery efforts. A detailed assessment of the damage is still pending, with engineers and urban planners preparing to evaluate structural integrity and long-term repair needs. Authorities have not yet announced plans for a formal investigation into the causes of the earthquake, but geological experts are likely to analyze data to determine whether the tremor was part of a larger seismic pattern. Historical records indicate that the Junín region lies along a tectonic boundary known for occasional quakes, though major disasters are relatively rare in the area. As of early Monday morning, search and rescue teams continue their work, focusing on areas where the risk of further collapse remains high. Families of the deceased are being notified, and legal procedures related to compensation and reconstruction are beginning to take shape. The government has pledged to allocate resources to rebuild damaged structures and improve resilience against future seismic events.