Peru Earthquake Claims Five Lives, Injures Dozens, and Leaves Hundreds Displaced

A powerful magnitude 5.1 earthquake, followed by a 3.7 magnitude aftershock, struck the central Peruvian region of Junín on Saturday, July 19, 2026, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life. The National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) reported a revised death toll of five, along with 32 injured, 350 individuals displaced, and 120 others affected. Numerous homes and infrastructure also sustained damage.

The fatalities, all occurring in the district of Chongos Bajo, included three men and two women, among them two elderly individuals and a 17-year-old youth. The seismic activity severely impacted the provinces of Chupaca and Huancayo, affecting multiple districts. In total, 52 homes were destroyed, 27 were rendered uninhabitable, and another 37 were damaged. Critical infrastructure, including three educational institutions, three health facilities, a religious temple, and a cultural heritage site, also suffered damage. Roadways and the electrical grid were disrupted, with approximately one kilometer of road and a portion of the power network rendered inoperable.

Peru's interim president, José María Balcázar, assured that the government is acting swiftly to address the emergency. Prime Minister Luis Arroyo and Defense Minister Amadeo Flores were dispatched to Junín to oversee relief coordination and the distribution of emergency aid. Meanwhile, President-elect Keiko Fujimori expressed deep regret over the earthquake's consequences, offering condolences to the bereaved families and urging the government to intensify efforts to protect the population and provide timely support to those affected.