Sunday afternoon Lima and the neighboring province of Callao were shaken by a magnitude 6,1 earthquake which caused a wave of fear among the population, leaving behind a tragic balance of one death and, according to the most recent official reports, at least 17 people injuredThe earthquake struck midday, intensifying the impact on a capital already accustomed to seismic activity, but not without its collective fear and alarm.
The earthquake, confirmed by the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), was registered at 11:35 a.m. local time (equivalent to 18:35 in Spanish peninsular time), with a epicenter located 30 kilometers southwest of Callao and at a depth of 49 kilometers, characteristics typical of a intermediate earthquake felt strongly, although without reaching devastating consequences of greater proportions.
Almost immediately, social networks, digital media and neighbors echoed the Damage reported to homes, health centers and main roadsSome neighborhoods in Callao were particularly affected, such as the Mi Perú district, where the collapse of several houses. Furthermore, the Electrical service and telecommunications suffered interruptions temporary in several sectors of southern Lima, although many of these services were reactivated throughout the afternoon.
One dead and multiple injured: the investigation is ongoing.
Health authorities and the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) confirmed that the fatality It was a man identified as Jhonatan Venturo Huamán, 37 years old, who lost his life when a wall collapsed while he was in the district of Independencia. At least 17 people were injured; five of them required care in different hospitals.
For this reason, the Lima North Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation to determine whether there was negligence in the construction or maintenance of the building where the fatal collapse occurred. As part of the investigation, statements are being taken from potential witnesses and security cameras in the area are being reviewed. Technical expert reports are also being conducted at the scene of the accident to clarify the circumstances.
El Ministry of Health has publicly conveyed its condolences to the deceased's family and has confirmed that the Comprehensive Health Insurance (SIS) It will cover funeral expenses. This coverage is common in cases of disasters, and it also offers support to loved ones during such difficult times.
Effects on infrastructure and public services
El The earthquake significantly impacted the operation of key infrastructure.Several roads were blocked by landslides and rockfalls, primarily on routes such as the North Coast Longitudinal Highway (at the Pasamayo Serpentine and other points in Huaral), the Sierra Sur Highway, and the Central Highway in the Surco area (Huarochirí), according to Sutran reports. These disruptions complicated both urban and interurban traffic, requiring the intervention of authorities to clear the affected roads.
El service of Line One of the Lima Metro The service remained suspended while both the railway and station infrastructure were inspected. It would only resume service after ensuring structural stability and user safety.
At the residential and health level, damages were recorded in several health centers and numerous homes, especially in areas closest to the epicenter and those located on unstable ground. Inspection, assessment, and assistance efforts continued throughout the day, prioritizing affected families and those who suffered some type of material loss.
Aftershocks and official reaction: calm in the face of the emergency
Minutes after the main tremor, a magnitude 3,6 aftershock With its epicenter once again in the Callao area, although less intense, it was enough to keep the population nervous and delay the return to normality in some areas.
The president Dina Boluarte She quickly traveled to the COEN headquarters, where she received firsthand information on the extent of the damage and the progress of the response operations. The president emphasized the importance of maintaining calm in seismic situations, recalling that Peru is located in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions on the planet. Addressing the public, he urged calm and emphasized that authorities remained on high alert to address any eventuality arising from the earthquake.
Among other side effects, there were evacuations in shopping centers and supermarkets, preventive evacuations in residential areas, and some landslides on the Costa Verde, which led to the temporary closure of certain access roads to the Lima coast.
Damage assessment efforts continue, while various government agencies and emergency services continue to call for caution and continued monitoring of official information in anticipation of possible further aftershocks or consequences of the main earthquake.
This earthquake leaves a deep mark on the memory of Lima and Callao, renewing awareness of the role of prevention in a city that coexists with seismic risk. The event highlights the vulnerability of some infrastructure, the importance of a rapid institutional response, and the need to maintain calm and citizen cooperation in critical moments.
