Deadly Peru Earthquake Strikes Andes
5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Peru's Andes, Leaving Five Dead and Dozens Injured
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A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Peru's Andes region late Thursday night, killing at least five people and injuring more than 20 others, according to ABC7. The quake hit at 9:24 p.m. local time, with its epicenter just 2 kilometers west-southwest of Sicaya, a city in Huancayo province.
Several buildings collapsed or suffered serious structural damage, including a local church and convent. The National Civil Defense Institute said the number of people still missing remains unknown, according to ABC13.
Collapse and Damage Spread Across Huancayo Province
The earthquake struck at night, when many residents were indoors. The tremor caused multiple buildings to collapse in the affected area. A local church and convent were among the structures damaged or destroyed, according to 6ABC. Rescue teams moved in quickly to search for survivors trapped under debris.
More than 20 people were taken to local hospitals with injuries. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of missing persons. The full scale of the damage is still being assessed, ABC11 reported.
Quake Hits a Region Already Prone to Tremors
Peru sits on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' a zone where tectonic plates meet and earthquakes happen often. This makes the country one of the most earthquake-prone in South America. Tremors of this size can cause serious damage, especially in areas with older or weaker buildings, according to ABC30.
Huancayo province lies high in the Andes mountains. The region's terrain and building conditions can make rescue efforts harder. Emergency workers faced those challenges as they worked through the night following the quake.
Civil Defense Mobilizes as Missing Persons Count Stays Unclear
Peru's National Civil Defense Institute confirmed the death toll of at least five and said more than 20 people were hurt. Officials did not give a final count of those still missing, according to ABC7 Chicago. Search and rescue operations were ongoing as of the initial reports.
Local authorities declared an emergency response effort in the area. The government is expected to provide updates as rescue teams continue working. The true toll of the earthquake may rise as crews clear rubble and reach harder-hit areas, ABC7 News reported.
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