Peru Earthquakes Kill Six and Injure 21 in Junín Region

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – At least six people were killed and 21 others injured after two earthquakes struck Chupaca province in Peru’s central Junín region on Saturday night, prompting an extensive emergency response across the affected communities.

Peru’s National Seismological Centre recorded the first earthquake at magnitude 5.1. It struck at 9.24pm local time with its epicentre in Chongos Bajo district, around 300 kilometres east of Lima, at a depth of 24 kilometres.

A second earthquake measuring magnitude 3.7 followed about 17 minutes later at a depth of 18 kilometres. Authorities intensified monitoring and damage assessments amid concerns that weakened buildings could collapse or additional victims might remain trapped.

Preliminary assessments indicated that approximately 48 homes were destroyed and another 18 damaged. Around 300 people were affected, with emergency tents being provided to families who could no longer remain inside their homes.

Many buildings in the affected rural communities were constructed from adobe blocks, making them particularly vulnerable to strong ground movement. Emergency crews and firefighters arrived early on Sunday to remove debris and continue searching for possible survivors.

More than 30 members of the Peruvian Army’s Rapid Disaster Intervention Company were deployed to the Chupuro sector in Chongos Bajo. They supported search-and-rescue operations, debris removal, public security and damage assessments using specialised tools and protective equipment.

The earthquake also disrupted electricity supplies in several districts, including Sapallanga, Chilca, Chongos Bajo, Cullhuas, Acostambo, Pazos and Huaribamba. Power was later restored in most areas, although about 400 users in the Pumpunya community remained without electricity.

Three advanced medical posts were established in Pumpunya to treat affected residents, while injured victims were taken to Daniel Alcides Carrión National Hospital and other nearby healthcare facilities. Cracks were also reported at several hospitals and a local health post.

Peru’s government announced plans to declare a state of emergency in the affected areas to accelerate the delivery of social assistance, healthcare services, machinery and humanitarian supplies. Specialists were also mobilised to inspect collapsed homes and repair damaged sanitation networks.

Blankets, tents and food were distributed as national and regional authorities coordinated assistance for families who had lost their homes. The government said the emergency declaration would help agencies mobilise resources more quickly and provide comprehensive support to vulnerable communities.

Peru frequently experiences earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions. Authorities urged residents to remain calm, follow official evacuation guidance and prepare emergency supplies in case of further tremors.