A 5.5-magnitude earthquake in the Peruvian Andes killed at least six people and displaced 300 residents near the city of Sicaya.

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Andes region of Peru on Saturday night, resulting in at least six deaths and over 30 injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at 9:24 p.m. with an epicenter located 2 kilometers west-southwest of the city of Sicaya. The tremors caused significant structural damage across the Huancayo province, destroying several buildings including a local church and convent. Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense office, noted that the heavy use of rustic adobe mud bricks in the region contributed to the extent of the destruction. Approximately 300 people have been displaced and are currently being provided with tents. In the agricultural region of Chongo Bajo, residents were seen huddled outside severely damaged homes. Hermenegilda Guamalato, a local resident, reported that her home was completely destroyed as she sought shelter with her three children in the neighboring district of Huayucachi. Peru remains a high-risk area for seismic activity due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

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