Peru earthquake: Death toll rises to 6, injuries reach 32 after 5.5 magnitude tremor

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake, centered approximately 2 kilometers southwest of Sicaya, Peru, has caused significant damage and casualties. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, impacting the Junin region.

Infrastructure damage was reported, including a health facility and the El Carmen Regional Maternity and Children's Hospital. Cracks appeared in the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit. The National Emergency Operations Committee (COEN) confirmed widespread power outages in the districts affected by the seismic activity. The quake was felt as far as the capital, Lima, and the city of Huancayo.

Social media users in Peru described experiencing "violent shaking," and some residents were evacuated from their homes and buildings as a precautionary measure. The National Civil Defense Institute reported that the death toll has climbed to six, with 32 individuals injured. Homes, health facilities, power lines, and tourism infrastructure in the Chongos Bajo district sustained damage.

Peru's Vice Minister of Health, Henry Rebaza, stated that 26 of the injured have been discharged after treatment, while six remain under hospital observation. He noted that approximately 100 health personnel, including doctors, nurses, and local emergency teams, are working in the affected area. Additional specialized personnel and a mobile hospital have been dispatched to the region. Rebaza emphasized that public health is the top priority, alongside monitoring material damage.

“

We are monitoring all regions closely. For us, the most important thing is public health. Alongside that, we are monitoring the material damage in real-time.