A series of earthquakes, including a magnitude 5.5 temblor, struck the mountainous Junin region of Peru's Andes on Saturday night. The most significant quake occurred at 9:24 p.m. local time, with an epicenter located 2 kilometers west-southwest of Sicaya in Huancayo province at a depth of 10 kilometers. Other reported magnitudes included 5.6, 5.1, and 3.7. This event was the largest to hit the central highlands area in nearly 50 years.
Authorities reported that at least six people were killed and dozens more injured following the seismic activity. Reports on injuries vary between 21 and 32 people, while approximately 300 individuals have been displaced. Peru's National Civil Defense Institute stated that the total number of missing persons remains unknown.
The earthquakes caused significant structural damage and building collapses, affecting hospitals, religious monuments, a local church, and a convent. In the agricultural region of Chongos Bajo, located about 300 kilometers east of Lima, residents were seen huddling under blankets outside severely damaged homes, and animals were found under the rubble.
The Peruvian government launched extensive search and rescue operations in the Junin region on Sunday. Peru is prone to frequent earthquakes due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.