Local authorities said a magnitude-3.7 aftershock-type quake followed the 5.1 tremor, with heavy collapse damage in areas dense with old adobe houses. Most of the dead and injured were tied to collapsed buildings.

Peru sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to earthquakes. Even quakes that are not very large can cause heavy casualties in areas with many aging homes of weak seismic design.

Authorities deployed rescue teams and medical staff and set up temporary shelters for the displaced. Guarding against further aftershocks, they are restricting access to buildings at risk of additional collapse.

Sinophone Bridge Times conveys disaster news together with condolences for the victims. Natural disasters such as earthquakes know no borders, and the importance of preparedness and a swift rescue system is a lesson common to every society.