A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck Peru's Andes region late Saturday, killing at least five people and injuring more than 20, according to authorities. The tremor, which hit shortly after 9:20 p.m. near the city of Sicaya, forced at least 300 residents from their homes, with officials continuing Sunday to assess the full extent of the damage and search for missing individuals.
Several buildings collapsed or were rendered unsafe, including a local church and convent. Officials noted that the traditional adobe construction prevalent in the region likely exacerbated the damage. Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense office, stated that the use of rustic building materials contributed to the significant impact and destruction.
Images from the affected farming community of Chongo Bajo showed families gathered in blankets outside damaged homes, sifting through rubble. Animals were also reported trapped beneath collapsed structures. One resident described her home as destroyed and sought shelter with her children in a neighboring province.
Peru is situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area known for its high seismic activity. In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake on the coast of Pisco resulted in nearly 600 fatalities.