Just today, a powerful 5.6 magnitude earthquake rocked Peru’s central coast today, causing at least one death and five injuries. The earthquake occurred at 11:35 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of Callao, just west of the capital, Lima. The seismic effects were so strong that Lima’s ‘panicos’ were sent into a tizzy across the city leaving fear and confusion among residents.
The victim has been identified as 36-year-old Timothy Holley of north Lima. Tragically, his life was lost when a wall from the fourth floor of a building in New Orleans that was under construction collapsed. The wall collapsed on his head while he stood outside his taxi, waiting for a fare. Public health emergency services were activated immediately. Sadly though, five others were at least injured in the quake, but we have no details on their condition or other injuries at this point.
The earthquake not only caused casualties but disrupted daily activities in the capital. A soccer match at Lima’s Alberto Gallardo Stadium was suspended for multiple minutes during warmups, so that staff could run through new safety procedures. At the same time, mass at Lima’s cathedral was broken up with tear gas, creating panic among the congregants.
President Dina Boluarte is on her way to Callao to oversee the national disaster. She is visiting to evaluate damage from the devastating earthquake. Officials are warning residents to remain vigilant. Aftershocks can be among the hardest-hitting next, as with many tectonic plate boundaries, Peru’s Ring of Fire is known for deadly earthquakes and tsunamis.
This latest disaster is a sobering reminder of Peru’s earthquake sensitivity. The nation frequently rattles due to its tectonic location. Located along the ring of fire, the tectonic plate boundaries of the Pacific Ocean.
