Peru declares emergency in earthquake-hit districts

The Peruvian government has declared a 60-day state of emergency in several districts of the central Junín region following earthquakes that struck on Saturday. The tremors, with magnitudes of 5.1 and 3.7, resulted in six fatalities, dozens of injuries, and significant damage to homes, health facilities, and infrastructure.

The decree, signed by interim President José María Balcázar, specifically covers the districts of Ahuac and Huayucachi in the provinces of Chupaca and Huancayo, respectively. The emergency status is intended to enable "immediate and necessary exception measures and actions for response and rehabilitation."

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execution of exception, immediate and necessary, response and rehabilitation measures that correspond.

Responsibility for implementing these actions will fall to the regional government of Junín and local authorities, with coordination and oversight from the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci). Several ministries, including those for Agrarian Development, Education, Housing, Transport, Interior, Defense, and Energy, will also participate. The costs associated with these actions will be covered by the budgets of the involved institutions, without requiring additional funds from the national treasury.

President-elect Keiko Fujimori announced that her first trip after taking office will be to Junín to visit those affected by the disaster. The earthquakes caused damage to numerous homes, health centers, and tourist infrastructure, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity.

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We also have to go to Junín, next week, already in office, my first trip will be to visit all the affected people in Chupaca.