An earthquake off Peru’s coast shakes capital, leaving one person dead and 5 injured

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the central coast of Peru on Sunday, causing significant tremors in the capital city of Lima and the nearby port city of Callao. The earthquake occurred at 11:35 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of Callao, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. The tremors resulted in the tragic death of a 36-year-old man in northern Lima, who was struck on the head by debris from a fourth-floor wall that fell while he was waiting outside his vehicle for a passenger. In addition to the fatality, five individuals have been reported injured and are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals. The Emergency Operations Center has also noted damage to various infrastructure, including roads and educational facilities across the affected regions.

In response to the earthquake, President Dina Boluarte is traveling to Callao to oversee the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Local media coverage has revealed the extent of the damage, with footage showing vehicles crushed by falling debris, damaged homes, and collapsed billboards. The earthquake's impact was widely felt across all districts of Lima, as confirmed by Hernando Tavera, the executive president of the Geophysical Institute of Peru. The tremor even interrupted a professional football match at Lima’s Alberto Gallardo Stadium and caused panic among worshippers during a mass at Lima’s cathedral, leading to an evacuation. As Peru is situated along the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire, it is prone to frequent seismic activity, underscoring the need for preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.