Six dead, dozens injured after 5.1 magnitude earthquake hits central Peru

A powerful earthquake and its aftershock struck the central Peruvian province of Chupaca on Saturday night, leaving at least six people dead and more than 30 injured. The magnitude 5.1 tremor, followed 17 minutes later by a 3.7 magnitude aftershock, primarily impacted the district of Chongos Bajo in the Junín region.

Official reports from the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) confirmed six fatalities. The Deputy Minister of Health, Henry Rebaza, stated that 26 injured individuals received medical attention and were discharged, while six others remain hospitalized. Rebaza noted that these figures represent initial damage reports, with numerous structures affected in Chongos Bajo.

Emergency response teams are actively monitoring the situation, prioritizing health services and damage assessments. A specialized team from Huancayo, the capital of Junín, was among the first responders. Approximately one hundred healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and local brigadistas, are on site in Chupaca, with additional specialized personnel and a mobile hospital being dispatched.

Indeci's report detailed damage to homes, health facilities, power transmission, and tourist infrastructure in Chongos Bajo. The earthquake's epicenter was located 7 kilometers south of Chongos Bajo at a depth of 24 kilometers. The aftershock's epicenter was 14 kilometers south of the same locality at a depth of 18 kilometers. Significant damage was also reported at the Daniel Alcides Carrión National Hospital and the El Carmen Regional Maternity and Children's Hospital in Huancayo. The cross of Cani Cruz de Chongos Alto, a stone religious monument, and the Ancient Convent of Santiago de León also sustained damage from collapses.