The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency yesterday, Monday, in a central region of the country, an area of the Andes that was struck on Saturday by an earthquake that left at least six people dead and caused extensive property damage.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Chongos Baho region, about 300 kilometers east of the capital, Lima.

“To ensure the protection of citizens affected by the 5.1-magnitude earthquake in the (department) of Huánuc, the government has officially declared a state of emergency” in the five affected regions, a government statement noted.

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The measure, effective for 60 days, will allow authorities to expedite the establishment of field medical centers, the deployment of search and rescue teams, clear debris, and rebuild infrastructure.

Authorities have confirmed six deaths, Prime Minister Luis Enrique Arroyo announced on Sunday.

For its part, the National Institute for Civil Protection (INDECI) reported 32 injured, 52 destroyed homes, and damage to the infrastructure of schools, churches, health centers, and public services.

INDECI also reported that 122 members of the security forces were mobilized to participate in search, rescue, and cleanup operations, and that reception and shelter centers were opened for approximately 300 earthquake victims.

Military personnel, police officers, and firefighters continued searching for survivors among the rubble of destroyed homes yesterday, Monday, according to footage from local media.

The most recent devastating earthquake to strike Peru was recorded in the city of Pisco, in the southern part of the Andean nation, on August 15, 2007: a very powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of at least 595 people and triggered a small tsunami.

Source: APE-MPE