Powerful 5.5-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Peru, 5 Killed and Over 300 Left Homeless

Peru: A 5.5 magnitude earthquake in the Andes region of the South American country Peru has caused massive devastation. According to officials, at least five people died in this disaster, while more than 20 people were injured. Due to the earthquake, about 300 people had to leave their homes and became homeless. Relief and rescue teams are continuously carrying out operations in the affected areas, while the search for missing people is also going on.

Were strong tremors felt at night?

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred around 9:24 pm on Saturday night. Its center was about two kilometers west-southwest of Sicaya city in Huancayo province and at a depth of about 10 kilometers from the ground. Due to this shallow earthquake, the tremors were felt very strong and panic spread in many nearby areas.

Were many buildings and churches damaged?

Peru's National Civil Defense Institute said the earthquake caused serious damage to many houses, public buildings and local churches. Some buildings collapsed completely, while many buildings developed major cracks. The administration is still assessing the damage and affected families are being evacuated to safer places.

How many people become homeless?

According to the local administration, the houses of hundreds of families have become unfit for habitation. About 300 people have been shifted to temporary relief camps. Rescue teams are searching for people trapped under the debris, although the exact number of missing people has not been revealed yet.

Did traditional construction become the cause of huge losses?

Luis Vasquez, head of the local civil defence office, said most houses in the Andes region are made of traditional building materials such as mud and mud bricks. This was the reason that a large number of houses and other structures were damaged due to the earthquake.

Is Peru located in the 'Ring of Fire'?

Peru is located in the 'Ring of Fire' region of the Pacific Ocean, where earthquakes occur frequently due to the activity of tectonic plates. Earlier in the year 2007, about 600 people lost their lives in a powerful earthquake of 7.9 magnitude that occurred in Pisco province. Experts say that seismic activities may continue in this area in future also, hence people need to remain alert.