Peru Earthquake Claims Five Lives, Injures 32 in Junín Region

A powerful magnitude 5.1 earthquake, followed by a 3.7 aftershock, struck the central Peruvian region of Junín on Saturday, leaving a trail of devastation. The seismic event claimed the lives of five people, injured 32 others, and left 350 individuals displaced, according to the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci).

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our government is acting with speed to address the emergency caused by the earthquakes

The earthquake's impact was most severe in the provinces of Chupaca and Huancayo, specifically affecting several districts. The five fatalities, comprising three men and two women, including two elderly individuals and a 17-year-old, all occurred in Chongos Bajo. Material damage was extensive, with 52 homes completely destroyed, 27 rendered uninhabitable, and an additional 37 homes damaged. Three educational institutions, three health facilities, a religious site, and a cultural heritage structure also sustained damage, alongside disruptions to road networks and the power grid.

Authorities are mobilizing to address the emergency. Interim President José María Balcázar stated that the government is acting swiftly to provide relief. Prime Minister Luis Arroyo and Defense Minister Amadeo Flores were dispatched to Junín to coordinate response efforts and deliver emergency aid. The president-elect, Keiko Fujimori, expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased and solidarity with those affected, urging the government to deploy all necessary resources for the population's protection and support.

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I deeply regret the consequences of the earthquake and express my deepest condolences to the families of those who died and my solidarity with those who were affected.

The initial earthquake occurred at 9:24 PM local time on Saturday, with its epicenter located seven kilometers south of Chongos Bajo at a depth of 24 kilometers. The aftershock followed 17 minutes later. The government's rapid response aims to mitigate the ongoing suffering and begin the recovery process in the affected regions.

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I urge the Government to continue deploying all efforts and to adopt the immediate measures necessary to protect the population, assist those affected, and provide timely support to the affected families.