Deadly Earthquake in Peru Leaves 6 Dead and Causes Severe Damage to Historic Churches - Caritas Sends Aid
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A deadly 5.5-magnitude earthquake hit Peru's central Andes highlands on Saturday night, July 18, 2026, killing at least six people, injuring over 30 others, and displacing roughly 300 residents. [1, 2, 3]
On the morning of July 21, Cáritas del Perú sent a ton of humanitarian aid to brothers and sisters in Cáritas Huancayo to support the families affected by the earthquake that struck the Pumpunya annex, Chongos Bajo district (Chupaca). Bishops of Peru in partnership with German bishops visited the area to determine the extent of the damage.
The aid included hygiene supplies, bottled water, blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothes, toys, and two large tents to provide protection and address the most urgent needs of the affected people.
This solidarity effort is made possible by support and the coordinated work of the Diocesan Catholic Charities Network, which joins forces to reach out to communities in times of pain and uncertainty.
They call all to continue to support the affected families with solidarity and prayers.
The aid included hygiene supplies, bottled water, blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothes, toys, and two large tents to provide protection and address the most urgent needs of the affected people.
This solidarity effort is made possible by support and the coordinated work of the Diocesan Catholic Charities Network, which joins forces to reach out to communities in times of pain and uncertainty.
They call all to continue to support the affected families with solidarity and prayers.
Earthquake Details & Epicentre
The initial main shock hit at 9:24 p.m. local time, followed about 15 minutes later by a 3.7-magnitude aftershock. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Epicentre location: Two kilometres west-southwest of the city of Sicaya, located in the Huancayo province of the Junín region (roughly 300 kilometres east of Lima). [1, 2]
- Depth: The U.S. Geological Survey measured the shallow main quake at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), while Peru's National Geophysical Institute registered it at approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) deep. [1, 2, 3]
- Historical Severity: Seismic experts noted this is the largest earthquake to strike Peru's central highlands region in over 50 years. [1]
The quake was the biggest to hit Peru's central highlands since 1969, when temblors of 5.9 and 6 magnitude shook the region, Hernando Tavera, the head of Peru's Geophysical Institute, told a local TV channel... — The New York Times
Structural Damage & Government Response
- Adobe Collapse: Local civil defence authorities reported that the widespread use of traditional, rustic adobe mud bricks heavily compounded the destruction, causing dozens of homes to instantly crumble. Towns like Chongos Bajo and Pumpunya were among the hardest hit. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Heritage Destruction: The earthquake severely compromised historical landmarks, causing structural failure and partial collapses at the Santiago de León church and its adjoining convent in Chongos Bajo, a protected 16th-century national heritage site built in 1565. [1]
- State of Emergency: On July 20, 2026, the Peruvian government officially declared a 60-day state of emergency across the affected towns to expedite humanitarian aid, clear debris, and construct temporary shelters
Following the earthquake recorded in our region, the Archdiocese of Huancayo has been coordinating actions with the Junín Deconcentrated Directorate of Culture and Civil Defense for the technical evaluation of the temples affected and the adoption of the necessary measures for their conservation.
The inspections carried out show considerable damage to the Santiago Apóstol Church in Chongos Bajo and the El Copón chapel, both declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Therefore, the temporary suspension of celebrations in the compromised infrastructures has been arranged, always prioritizing the safety of the faithful.
Likewise, the corresponding efforts are being made to safeguard images, religious assets, and other historical elements, while specialized evaluations continue.
As a Church, we renew our commitment to take care of the religious heritage we have inherited and to continue accompanying the communities affected by this emergency.
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The inspections carried out show considerable damage to the Santiago Apóstol Church in Chongos Bajo and the El Copón chapel, both declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Therefore, the temporary suspension of celebrations in the compromised infrastructures has been arranged, always prioritizing the safety of the faithful.
Likewise, the corresponding efforts are being made to safeguard images, religious assets, and other historical elements, while specialized evaluations continue.
As a Church, we renew our commitment to take care of the religious heritage we have inherited and to continue accompanying the communities affected by this emergency.
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