Six dead, 21 injured after M5.5 earthquake hits central Peru
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.5 struck central Peru at 02:24 UTC on July 19 (21:24 LT on July 18), 2026, at a depth of 10 km (6 miles). At least 6 people were killed and 21 injured, according to local officials.
Damage caused by M5.5 earthquake in Peru on July 19, 2026. Image credit: INDECI
The epicenter was located 2 km (1 mile) ENE of Sicaya (population 6 842), 11 km (7 miles) WNW of Huancayo (population 456 250), 12 km (7 miles) WNW of Chilca (population 73 371), 14 km (9 miles) S of Concepción (population 11 330), and 37 km (23 miles) SE of Jauja (population 21 057), Junín, Peru.
According to the USGS PAGER, 459 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 155 000 strong, 86 000 moderate, and 324 000 light.
The USGS issued a Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and ductile reinforced concrete frame construction.
According to Peru’s National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) and the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI), at least six people were killed, and 21 sustained injuries, while three homes were damaged.
The Ministry of Defense activated emergency response protocols immediately after the earthquake. More than 30 personnel from the Peruvian Army’s Rapid Disaster Response Company were deployed overnight to Chongos Bajo, where they have been supporting search and rescue operations, debris removal, security, and crowd management alongside local authorities.
A magnitude 3.7 aftershock occurred approximately 17 minutes after the mainshock, prompting authorities to strengthen monitoring efforts and continue structural inspections across the region.
The health response has included the establishment of three Advanced Medical Posts in the town of Pumpunya to treat affected residents, while the Daniel Alcides Carrión National Hospital continues caring for the injured.
Officials also reported structural cracking at El Carmen Regional Maternal and Child Hospital, the National Hospital of Central Peru, and the Chupuro health center, although no reports indicated catastrophic structural failures.
The earthquake disrupted electricity across several districts, including Sapallanga, Chilca, Chongos Bajo, Cullhuas, Acostambo, Pazos, and Huaribamba.
Authorities said power has since been restored to most affected areas, although approximately 400 customers in Pumpunya remained without electricity as repair work continued on July 19.
Officials confirmed there was no reported damage to the National Road Network, the railway system, or most telecommunications infrastructure, allowing emergency crews to maintain access throughout the affected region.
USGS noted that earthquakes in this part of Peru have historically triggered secondary hazards such as landslides, although no significant landslide impacts were reported in the immediate aftermath of this event. Estimated economic losses are expected to remain below 1% of Peru’s GDP.
References:
1 Defense Ministry deploys Army and activates immediate response after M5.1 earthquake in Junín – Defense Ministry of Peru – July 19, 2026
2 M 5.5 – 2 km WSW of Sicaya, Peru – USGS – July 2026
3 M5.5 earthquake Central Peru – EMSC – July 19, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.