A powerful earthquake in Peru's Andes region has killed at least five people and displaced hundreds more, according to authorities. The magnitude 5.5 quake struck near the city of Sicaya late Saturday, causing homes and a church to collapse.
Peru's National Civil Defense Institute reported that over 20 people were injured and at least 300 residents were forced from their homes. Officials were working Sunday to account for missing residents as the full extent of the damage became clearer.
The region's prevalent use of traditional adobe construction is believed to have exacerbated the damage, with one local official noting the rustic building materials "contributed to the greater impact and damage."
Images from the farming community of Chongo Bajo showed families seeking shelter amidst damaged homes and rubble. Animals were also reported trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Peru is situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a highly active earthquake zone. In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake in the coastal province of Pisco resulted in nearly 600 fatalities.