A 5.6 magnitude earthquake off Peru’s coast shook the nation on Sunday, causing chaos across Lima and the nearby port city of Callao. The tremor hit at 11:35 a.m. local time beneath the Pacific Ocean, around 23 kilometres southwest of Callao, the United States Geological Survey confirmed.
A 36-year-old man tragically lost his life in northern Lima. He was “standing outside his vehicle waiting for a passenger” when a wall from a building under construction collapsed onto him, according to Police Col. Ramiro Clauco, speaking to RPP radio.
The Emergency Operations Center reported that five others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals. The quake also damaged roads and several educational institutions.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is travelling to Callao to oversee emergency response efforts, the presidency confirmed on X.
“All of Lima’s districts felt the earthquake,” stated Hernando Tavera, executive president of the Geophysical Institute of Peru, during an interview with local TV.
Footage circulating on local media shows the extent of the destruction — cars crushed by debris, damaged homes, and billboards reduced to rubble. A professional football match at Lima’s Alberto Gallardo Stadium was paused for safety, and a mass at Lima’s cathedral was disrupted as worshippers fled in fear.
Located along the Pacific’s Ring of Fire, Peru is no stranger to seismic activity. This geologically volatile zone is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Quick Summary
- Magnitude: 5.6
- Epicentre: 23 km southwest of Callao
- Time: 11:35 a.m. local
- Casualties: 1 dead, 5 injured
- Damage: Roads, homes, educational centres
This earthquake off Peru’s coast is a stark reminder of the country’s seismic risks. As emergency crews work through the aftermath, officials remain on alert for aftershocks and further disruptions.
