Key facts
- A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Peru's Andes region on Saturday.
- At least eight people were killed and 30 injured.
- The earthquake caused landslides that buried houses.
- Several buildings collapsed or suffered structural damage, including historical sites.
- Over 300 people have been displaced.
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Andes region of Peru on Saturday, resulting in at least eight fatalities and 30 injuries, according to local authorities. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter near Sicaya in Huancayo province. The incident caused significant damage, with several buildings collapsing, including historical structures in Cuzco and a local church and convent. Landslides also occurred, burying houses in the Mozollacta shantytown. Over 300 people have been displaced, and the total number of missing individuals remains unknown. Peru is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. Residents in hard-hit areas like Chongo Bajo were seen huddled outside damaged homes, with animals also found under rubble. The use of rustic adobe construction materials in the Andean area was cited as a contributing factor to the extensive damage.