Earthquake of magnitude 5.1 causes six deaths and more than 30 injured in central Peru

Published at: 20/07/2026 01:00 PM

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale shook the Andean region of Junín, in central Peru, and caused the death of six people, injuries to more than 30 citizens and structural damage to homes and historic monuments.

The earthquake occurred in the province of Chupaca and was followed by a magnitude 3.7 aftershock that complicated the evaluation work of local authorities.

The Geophysical Institute of Peru reported that the epicenter of the phenomenon was located seven kilometers south of the city of Chupaca, at a depth of 24 kilometers. The main earthquake occurred during the night, while the main aftershock occurred 17 minutes later at a depth of 18 kilometers, causing power cuts in several areas of the affected province.
The National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) explained that the main impact was concentrated in the district of Chongos Bajo. Regarding the health situation, the Deputy Minister of Health, Henry Rebaza, confirmed that 26 injured people were discharged after being treated in health centers, while another six remain hospitalized under medical observation.
Preliminary infrastructure evaluations indicate the collapse of multiple private homes and damage to the El Carmen Regional Maternal and Child Hospital, located in Huancayo. Technical-cultural authorities also reported the collapse of the stone structure known as the cross of the Cani Cruz, in Chongos Alto, and material detachment in the Old Convent of Santiago de León, a building that dates back to the 16th century.

Mazo News Team