5.1 Magnitude Peru Earthquake Leaves Several Dead and Injured

Five deaths confirmed after Peru earthquake.

More than 20 injured.

Rescue operations continue in Junín.

At least five people were killed and more than 20 others were injured after an earthquake and a powerful aftershock struck an Andean region of Peru.

Authorities also reported dozens of homes destroyed or damaged in the hardest-hit communities.

The seismic events occurred Saturday night in the province of Chupaca, located in the Junín region.

The emergency prompted rescue teams and damage assessment crews to respond as efforts to assist affected residents continue.

Peru earthquake leaves five dead and dozens affected

Attention: A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Peru, leaving five people dead and more than 300 displaced.
According to authorities, the powerful quake left a preliminary toll of five fatalities, 21 injuries, and more than 300 people displaced.… pic.twitter.com/hf4TVSHA4p

— 7N Noticias (@7NNoticias) July 19, 2026

Why it matters: Peru lies in one of the world’s most seismically active regions, making earthquakes a constant threat to millions of people.

The National Seismological Center reported that the initial Peru earthquake measured magnitude 5.1.

Seventeen minutes later, a magnitude 3.7 aftershock struck the same area.

According to authorities, the main earthquake occurred at a depth of 24 kilometers (15 miles), while the aftershock originated at a depth of 18 kilometers (11 miles).

Damage concentrated in Chongos Bajo

UPDATE: A shallow M5.5 earthquake hit central Peru, centered 2 km WSW of Sicaya, Junín.

Struck at a 10 km depth; authorities confirm at least 5 people were killed.

Heavy structural damage reported across Huancayo province.

Sismo – Terremoto – Perú – Sicaya pic.twitter.com/qbEHztwGXq

— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) July 19, 2026

Authorities reported the most severe damage in the district of Chongos Bajo.

In that community, the iconic Cani Cruz, a well-known religious monument, collapsed.

Landslides also damaged the historic Santiago de León Convent.

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Officials said numerous homes were destroyed or sustained structural damage during the Peru earthquake.

According to official reports, the affected region is located about 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Lima.

The destruction extended beyond historic buildings.

Public infrastructure also suffered damage following the earthquake.

In addition, several municipalities experienced power outages after the seismic event.

Rescue operations and damage assessments continue

Momento exacto del #sismo M5.5 [USGS] en la región de Junín, #Perú. 18/Jul/2026.

Dado que se trata de un sismo superficial y fue filmado desde una ubicación geográfica próxima al epicentro, las aceleraciones del terreno (en los primeros segundos) son altas, tal como se… pic.twitter.com/HwwmJTUp16

— SASSLA (@SasslaMx) July 19, 2026

Most of the injured were treated at the Daniel Alcides Carrión National Hospital in Huancayo.

The hospital also reported damage to some of its facilities, according to CNN.

Peru’s National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) said emergency response efforts remain underway in the affected areas.

Specialized teams are conducting a Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (EDAN) to determine the full impact of the disaster.

In a statement released Sunday morning, the agency provided an update on ongoing operations after the Peru earthquake.

“Response efforts continue in the affected areas. First responders are assisting affected and displaced residents, conducting the Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (EDAN), as well as search and rescue operations. Injured individuals and fatalities have also been reported,” the National Emergency Operations Center said.

Authorities continue search-and-rescue operations at multiple locations across the affected region.

Their top priority remains locating possible victims and assisting displaced residents.

The head of Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defense, General Luis Vásquez, confirmed the preliminary death toll.

During an interview with América Televisión, the official said at least five people lost their lives as a result of the Peru earthquake.

Authorities have not yet released additional information regarding the identities of the victims.

Peru is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

This region accounts for approximately 85% of the world’s seismic activity.

Because of its geographic location, earthquakes are a frequent occurrence throughout the country.

Authorities continue monitoring the situation as emergency response, rescue efforts, and damage assessments move forward in the affected communities.