A 5.5-magnitude earthquake in Peru's Andes region has killed at least five people and injured more than 20, with 300 displaced and the number of missing still unknown, authorities said Sunday.
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Key facts
- A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Peru's Andes region on Saturday.
- At least five people were killed and more than 20 injured.
- Around 300 people have been displaced.
- The epicentre was 2km west-south-west of Sicaya in Huancayo province, at a depth of 10km.
- The number of missing remains unknown.
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook the Andes region of Peru on Saturday night, killing at least five people, authorities said on Sunday, according to the Guardian.
More than 20 people were injured and 300 have been displaced by the quake. The total number of people missing was still unknown as of the latest reports.
The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake struck on Saturday at 9.24pm. Its epicentre was located 2km (1.24 miles) west-south-west of the city of Sicaya, in Huancayo province.
The quake was relatively shallow, at a depth of 10km (6.21 miles), a factor that can intensify shaking felt at the surface and contribute to damage in affected areas.
Authorities were continuing to assess the full scale of the disaster, including the fate of those unaccounted for, as recovery and relief efforts got under way in the affected communities.
Why it matters
Peru sits in a seismically active zone, and even moderate earthquakes can cause deaths, injuries and displacement in mountainous Andean communities. The disruption to hundreds of residents highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region to sudden seismic events.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the Peru earthquake strike?
The epicentre was located 2km west-south-west of the city of Sicaya in Huancayo province, in Peru's Andes region, according to the US Geological Survey.
How many people were affected?
At least five people were killed, more than 20 were injured and around 300 have been displaced. The number of missing remains unknown.
How strong and how deep was the earthquake?
The earthquake measured 5.5 in magnitude and struck at a depth of 10km (6.21 miles), the US Geological Survey reported.
Timeline
- 5.5-magnitude earthquake hits Peru's Andes region and kills at least 5 people
The Guardian World: More than 20 people were injured and 300 have been displaced by Saturday’s quake, while the total number of missing is still unknown A 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook the Andes region of Peru, killing at least five people, authorities said Sunday. More than 20 people were injured