Peru earthquake kills at least 5, displaces 300 residents in Andes region
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A powerful earthquake struck Peru’s Andes region overnight, killing at least five people, destroying the homes of hundreds and collapsing a church; authorities warned Sunday that an unknown number of people were missing.
The 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck shortly after 9:20 p.m. Saturday near the city of Sicaya in central Peru, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Peru’s National Civil Defense Institute said more than 20 people were injured in the earthquake and at least 300 people had to leave their homes.
Authorities were still trying to identify the missing residents Sunday after several buildings, including a local church and convent, collapsed or became unsafe.
SECURITY GUARD SURVIVED FOR 8 DAYS IN THE SHOPPING MALL COLLAPSE AFTER THE VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE
Residents walk through the rubble of collapsed homes following an earthquake in Pumpuya, Peru, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Javier Ninanya)
The widespread use of traditional mud-brick structures in the area likely worsened the damage, officials said. Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense department, said rustic building materials “contributed to greater impact and damage.”
A tricycle was trapped among the debris of collapsed houses after the earthquake that occurred in Pumpuya, Peru, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jhefry Sedano)
Footage from the hard-hit Chongo Bajo farming community showed families wrapped in blankets outside damaged homes as neighbors sifted through the rubble. It was also seen that animals were trapped under collapsed buildings.
2-YEAR-OLD BOY WAS REMOVED ALIVE FROM TRAVEL SIX DAYS AFTER DEVASTATING TWIN EARTHQUAKES IN VENEZUELA
“My house is destroyed,” Hermenegilda Guamalato told local radio as she and her three children sought shelter in the neighboring state of Huayucachi.
Residents stand next to the covered bodies of neighbors who died following an earthquake in Pumpuya, Peru, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Javier Ninanya)
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Peru is located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, one of the most active earthquake zones in the world. In 2007, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake occurred in the coastal region of Pisco and approximately 600 people died.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
