Central Peru Hit by 21 Earthquakes Since July, Leaving 6 Dead and 70 Injured

The central Peruvian province of Chupaca, located in the Andean region of Junín, has been severely impacted by a series of seismic events. Since July 18, the area has registered 21 earthquakes, leading to a tragic loss of six lives and injuring more than seventy people. The tremors have also displaced 2,764 individuals, destroyed 407 homes, and damaged an additional 738 residences, according to official sources.

Hernando Tavera, head of the Institute of Geophysical Peru (IGP), explained that the earthquakes are aftershocks linked to the reactivation of the Altos del Mantaro tectonic fault. This fault extends for about 20 kilometers. While most aftershocks have been minor, recent days have seen stronger tremors, including a magnitude 5.0 earthquake last Thursday, followed by a 4.4 magnitude quake on Friday and a 4.3 magnitude tremor on Saturday.

Tavera noted that the tectonic fault is currently in a "stabilization process" and that there is no historical data to indicate if it has generated significant earthquakes in the past. He also pointed out that the vulnerability of buildings, particularly those constructed with adobe, contributed to the severe damage in Chupaca and Chongos Bajo, which were among the most affected areas. Concrete structures generally fared better against the seismic forces.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori visited the affected region. Her government is considering declaring an emergency in several districts across the Junín and Huancavelica regions. This declaration would enable the swift implementation of essential measures related to housing, education, health, employment, and emergency response. The IGP is compiling a comprehensive report on the structural damage, landslides, and collapses observed in the area.