A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Peru near Chupaca at 9:24 p.m. on July 18, 2026, killing at least four people and leaving others trapped under rubble. The quake, detected at a depth of nearly 14 miles, has sent shockwaves through the region, with victims pleading for help as temperatures plummet to 4°C.
Deaths and Destruction
Four people are confirmed dead, and many remain trapped beneath collapsed stone buildings. Photos from the ground show homes reduced to rubble, with dead cattle and other animals among the debris. In the town of Chongos Bajo, a 500-year-old stone statue known as Cani Cruz, a focal point of an annual pilgrimage from Huancayo, crashed into the town’s plaza. Local authorities are assessing damage and conducting rescue operations.
Ongoing Aftershocks and Rescue Efforts
Shockwaves have continued to shake the region in recent hours, complicating rescue efforts. Residents are searching for shelter amid freezing conditions. The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred 39 seconds after a preceding tremor, marking the strongest double strike in the area since 1900.
Regional Context
The quake comes weeks after a deadly earthquake in Venezuela, which left over 50,000 people missing. Thousands have been left homeless in Peru as a result of the latest disaster. Videos show people fleeing violently shaking areas, and buildings reduced to rubble.
