5.5-magnitude earthquake kills at least 5 in Peru's Andes region

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake rocked the Andes region of Peru on Saturday night, claiming the lives of at least five people and injuring more than 20, authorities reported Sunday. The tremor has left approximately 300 residents displaced, with numerous buildings suffering collapse or severe structural damage, including a local church and convent.

The quake, registered by the US Geological Survey, struck at 9:24 p.m. local time. Its epicenter was located near Sicaya in Huancayo province, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles). This shallowness, combined with the prevalent use of rustic adobe materials in local construction, has been cited as a major factor contributing to the extensive damage.

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has contributed to the greater impact and damage

Images from hard-hit areas like Chongo Bajo show residents seeking shelter amidst the debris of their destroyed homes. Hermenegilda Guamalato, a resident of the area, described her home's destruction to a local radio station, emphasizing the immediate need for shelter for herself and her three children. The National Civil Defence Institute continues to assess the situation, with the total number of missing persons still unknown. Peru, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," experiences frequent seismic activity.

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My home has been destroyed