A powerful magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck central Peru on Sunday, July 19, 2026 , leaving several people dead, dozens injured, and causing widespread damage across affected communities. The earthquake occurred in the Junín Region , with tremors also felt in nearby cities and surrounding provinces, sending residents rushing out of homes, schools, offices, and businesses in fear. According to Peru's National Emergency Operations Center, the earthquake struck during the daytime, catching many people by surprise. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the affected areas to search for survivors, rescue trapped victims, and provide urgent medical care. Hospitals and health centers received numerous injured residents, while emergency workers continued assessing the extent of the destruction. The quake damaged homes, commercial buildings, schools, and public infrastructure. Several walls collapsed, roads developed large cracks, and falling debr...