AMERICA/PERU - Earthquake strikes Andean region of Junín; the ecclesial community involved in relief efforts

Huancayo (Fides News Agency) – The Peruvian Bishops' Conference has expressed its "deepest sorrow" over the loss of lives and the extensive damage caused by the earthquake that struck the central Andean region of Junín, assuring its spiritual closeness to bereaved families and those displaced by the disaster. In a message signed by its President, Archbishop Carlos García Camader, Bishop of Lurín, the Conference assures prayers for the eternal rest of those who died and asked the Lord to "grant strength, consolation and hope to all."
According to Peru's Geophysical Institute, the magnitude 5.1 earthquake, which struck at a shallow depth, hit the district of Chongos Bajo in Chupaca Province, Junín Region, at 9:24 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 18, about 300 kilometres east of Lima. The provisional death toll stands at at least six people, with more than 30 injured and several hundred displaced. Authorities are still assessing conditions in the most isolated villages and fear that the number of casualties may rise as rescue teams reach remote areas.
The bishops expressed particular solidarity with those who have lost their homes, as well as with all those involved in rescue, relief and emergency assistance operations. "In this time of trial, we invoke the protection of the Lord of Life to sustain our people and strengthen the spirit of solidarity that has always characterized Peru," the statement reads, encouraging the faithful not to lose hope and recalling that "Christ, who conquered suffering and death, walks alongside those who suffer."
In the region directly affected by the disaster, the Archdiocese of Huancayo, which includes Chupaca Province, has joined forces with Caritas Huancayo to launch a solidarity campaign in support of families affected by the earthquake in Pumpunya–Chupaca. The statement invites the entire community to come together to bring "hope, consolation and assistance" to those most in need by donating non-perishable food, clothing in good condition, blankets, bottled water, personal hygiene items and other basic necessities.
The earthquake caused the collapse or partial destruction of numerous rural homes built of adobe, a traditional construction material widely used in the Andean communities of the region. Damage was also reported to several health facilities, public buildings and local religious buildings. (MLK) (Fides News Agency, 20/7/2026)

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