Peru earthquake kills at least 5, injures over 20

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake rattled Peru's Andes region, leaving at least five people dead and over 20 injured, authorities reported Sunday. The tremor, which struck Saturday night, also displaced 300 residents and damaged numerous buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey located the epicenter 2 kilometers west-southwest of Sicaya in Huancayo province, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Peru's National Civil Defense Institute confirmed the casualties and stated that the number of missing individuals is still unknown. Structural damage was reported, with the local church and convent among the affected buildings. Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense office, noted that the prevalent use of rustic adobe materials in construction in the Andean area contributed significantly to the impact and damage.

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the use of rustic adobe materials in construction in that Andean area has contributed to the greater impact and damage.

Earthquakes are a frequent occurrence in Peru, situated within the Pacific "Ring of Fire." Images from affected areas, like the agricultural region of Chongo Bajo, showed residents seeking shelter outside their damaged homes. Hermenegilda Guamalato, a resident, described her home's destruction to local radio, highlighting the immediate need for shelter for herself and her three children.

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My home has been destroyed.