A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Peru’s central Junin region late on Saturday night, leaving five people dead and 32 others injured, according to Peruvian authorities. Around 200 people have also been affected as emergency teams continue rescue and damage assessment operations.

The earthquake struck shortly after 9:20 pm local time, with its epicentre located in Chupaca province in the Andes. About 15 minutes later, an aftershock was recorded, adding to concerns as rescue personnel began responding to the disaster.

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Visuals from the earthquake that struck Peru’s central Junin region | Screengrabs/X

Rescue operations underway

Officials said the tremors were felt with light to moderate intensity across the Junín region. In response, the Interior Ministry deployed more than 250 police personnel and over 50 volunteer firefighters to carry out search and rescue operations, assist affected residents and secure damaged locations. Army personnel have also joined the relief efforts.

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President-elect Keiko Fujimori expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said all necessary resources should be mobilised to support rescue and recovery work, according to a post on X.

Hospitals, homes and power infrastructure hit

The Health Ministry reported structural damage at several medical facilities. The Regional Maternal and Children’s Hospital El Carmen developed cracks in its paediatric intensive care unit, while Daniel Alcides Carrión National Hospital and the Chupuro Health Center also sustained damage.

Authorities said at least 48 homes have collapsed in the affected region, with surveys continuing to determine the full extent of the destruction.

The earthquake also disrupted electricity supply across Junin. The Energy and Mines Ministry said more than 61,000 customers were initially affected, although power had been restored to most areas by Sunday. More than 400 consumers were still without electricity at the latest update.

Power distributor Electrocentro said the tremor triggered automatic shutdowns across multiple electricity feeders serving Huancayo, Chupaca and nearby districts. Restoration teams were deployed immediately to reconnect affected areas.

Region witnesses fresh seismic activity

The latest earthquake comes amid heightened seismic activity across parts of South America. Venezuela is still recovering from a devastating earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in late June. Meanwhile, a magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck Mexico’s southern Chiapas state on Friday, causing structural damage, though there were no reports of large-scale casualties.

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Authorities in Peru continue to monitor the situation as rescue operations and damage assessments remain underway.

FAQs:

Where did the Peru earthquake strike?

The earthquake struck Peru’s central Junín region, with its epicentre in Chupaca province.

How many people were affected by the Peru earthquake?

Five people were killed, 32 were injured, and around 200 others were affected.