Army Launches Rescue
The Peruvian Army deployed specialist disaster-response teams to the Junin region after two earthquakes devastated the area on Saturday night.
Footage released on Sunday shows around 30 soldiers searching for victims, assisting survivors and hauling debris from damaged buildings in the Chupuro sector of Chongos Bajo district.
Soldiers Aid Survivors
The troops, from the 31st Infantry Brigade’s Rapid Disaster Intervention Company under the VRAEM Special Command, arrived before dawn to reinforce search, rescue and clearance operations.
The government said the army had remained on the ground since the early hours as a precaution, while technical teams inspected buildings, assessed the damage and identified residents’ immediate needs.
Officials Provide Support
Peru’s Defence Minister, Amadeo Flores Carcagno, said ‘we deeply regret what happened,’ adding that humanitarian aid had been arranged for those affected.
“So we are coordinating efforts with the various sectors so that, as ordered by the prime minister, all social programs can help our population and provide immediate assistance,” he continued.
Flores added that officials were preparing an emergency declaration that “we have already set in motion and we hope it will be published today.”
Earthquake Damage Confirmed
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (COEN), the first earthquake struck at 21:24 local time, with its epicentre in Chongos Bajo district and a depth of 24 kilometres.
A magnitude 3.7 aftershock followed 17 minutes later, prompting authorities to step up monitoring and damage assessments.
Prime Minister Luis Enrique Arroyo Sanchez told Peruvian television that 32 people were initially reported injured. He said 26 had been discharged, while six remained in hospital.
Authorities also reported 48 homes destroyed and around 300 people left homeless.
Peru’s Ministry of Defence, via Viory.Video
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