Authorities' earthquake response in Junín criticized after audit reveals aid and health facility failures

Authorities in Peru's Junín region faced criticism following a July 18 earthquake, with a government audit highlighting significant shortcomings in their response to affected families. The General Comptroller's Office of the Republic issued a report detailing problems with victim registration and aid distribution, which left some individuals in vulnerable situations.

The audit, released just three days after the tremor, identified adverse situations in the emergency response. A key observation was the lack of timely registration for affected individuals, which may have prevented some families from receiving necessary assistance. The report also noted that some earthquake victims were left exposed to cold weather and precarious conditions while awaiting official intervention.

The findings were sent to the Regional Government of Junín for immediate corrective measures. While the report does not assign administrative or criminal responsibility, it underscores critical issues in the state's capacity to respond effectively during the crucial initial hours following a disaster.

In addition to the issues with aid distribution, the earthquake caused damage to 14 health facilities in the region. The Carhuapaccha health center in Chupuro was declared uninhabitable due to severe cracks and leaning walls, forcing staff and patients to relocate to tents set up outdoors. Health officials conducted damage assessments and needs analyses for the affected facilities.

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The facilities have cracks and roof damage caused by the earthquake. The Carhuapaccha health center, in Chupuro, is the most affected of all the establishments. There are cracks there and the walls are leaning, therefore, it is not habitable.