The earthquake struck at 9:24 p.m. local time, with its epicenter about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) west-southwest of the city of Sicaya in Huancayo province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), making it a relatively shallow earthquake capable of producing stronger ground shaking near the surface.

Peru’s National Civil Defense Institute said rescue teams were still assessing affected communities, and authorities had not yet determined how many people remained missing.

Historic Buildings Among Those Damaged

The earthquake damaged or destroyed numerous buildings across the region.

Among the hardest-hit sites was the historic Santiago de León Church and former convent in Chongos Bajo, a religious complex built in 1565 and recognized as a national cultural heritage site.

Officials also reported damage to homes, public buildings and local infrastructure in several nearby communities.

Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense office, said the widespread use of traditional adobe construction contributed significantly to the destruction because such buildings are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage.

Hundreds Forced From Their Homes

Emergency officials said about 300 residents were displaced after their homes became unsafe.

Television footage from local broadcasters showed families spending the night outdoors wrapped in blankets while authorities inspected damaged buildings. In the agricultural community of Chongos Bajo, rescuers also worked to free livestock trapped beneath collapsed structures.

“My home has been destroyed,” resident Hermenegilda Guamalato told a local radio station as she searched for temporary shelter with her three children in neighboring Huayucachi.

Emergency crews continued inspecting damaged structures Sunday while searching for anyone who may still be trapped or unaccounted for.

Peru Lies Along One of the World’s Most Active Seismic Zones

Peru experiences frequent earthquakes because it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast belt of seismic and volcanic activity that stretches around the Pacific Ocean where several tectonic plates meet.

The latest earthquake also revived memories of one of Peru’s deadliest modern disasters. In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the southern province of Pisco, killing nearly 600 people and causing widespread destruction across the Ica region.

Authorities said rescue operations and structural assessments would continue until every affected community had been inspected and all missing persons had been accounted for.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Peru | Earthquake | Andes | Natural Disaster | Emergency Response | Huancayo | Chongos Bajo | Seismic Activity

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According to the Associated Press, Peru’s electoral authority certified the results on Friday after completing the national vote count. Official figures showed Fujimori received approximately 9.223 million votes, or 50.135%, narrowly defeating nationalist congressman Roberto Sánchez, who secured about 9.173 million votes, or 49.865%.

Fujimori, 51, will become Peru’s ninth president in the past decade when she assumes office later this month, underscoring the country’s prolonged period of political instability and frequent leadership changes.

Security Emerged as the Defining Campaign Issue

The presidential race was shaped largely by public concern over worsening crime, particularly extortion and violence linked to organized criminal groups operating across parts of the country.

Throughout the campaign, Fujimori pledged tougher law enforcement measures, promising an “iron fist” approach against organized crime. Her proposals included constructing four new prisons, developing another high-security detention facility modeled on El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), requiring prison inmates to work, strengthening border security and deporting undocumented migrants.

Following confirmation of her victory, Fujimori wrote on social media that the transition period would provide an opportunity to engage with different sectors of society before her administration takes office.

Narrow Victory Ends Competitive Election

Fujimori and Sánchez advanced to the June 7 runoff after emerging as the top two candidates from a crowded first-round election in April that featured 35 presidential contenders.

The narrow final margin reflected a highly competitive race in which voters weighed competing visions for addressing Peru’s economic and security challenges.

Election authorities confirmed the final results after all ballots had been counted, formally concluding the electoral process.

Political Legacy Remains Central to Fujimori’s Public Profile

Fujimori’s election marks her fourth attempt to win Peru’s presidency. She is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, whose administration in the 1990s defeated the Shining Path insurgency but was later criticized for authoritarian practices.

Alberto Fujimori was convicted in 2009 on human rights charges related to counterinsurgency operations and was later found guilty in corruption cases.

His political legacy has remained a defining feature of Keiko Fujimori’s public career, with supporters crediting the former administration for restoring security while critics continue to raise concerns over its human rights record.

Regional Political Landscape

Fujimori’s victory follows recent conservative electoral successes elsewhere in Latin America, including the elections of Abelardo de la Espriella in Colombia and José Antonio Kast in Chile, reflecting broader political shifts in parts of the region.

The results contrast with earlier periods when left-leaning governments gained prominence across Latin America, illustrating the evolving political landscape as voters increasingly prioritize issues such as public safety, governance and economic stability.

Fujimori is expected to begin the transition process ahead of taking office later this month as her incoming administration prepares to implement its domestic policy agenda.

Tags: Peru, Keiko Fujimori, Roberto Sánchez, Presidential Election, Lima, Crime, Public Security, Alberto Fujimori, Latin America, Politics, Elections, Americas

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The shift marks a significant political development in a region where progressive leaders gained power in several major countries earlier this decade amid public frustration over inequality and the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, rising fears surrounding organized crime, extortion and cross-border criminal networks are increasingly influencing election campaigns and voter priorities.

Analysts and human rights advocates cited in public discussions say the trend reflects a broader regional debate over how governments should address persistent insecurity while balancing democratic institutions and civil liberties.

Security Becomes Dominant Electoral Issue

Crime has emerged as one of the most influential political issues in several Latin American countries, helping conservative and populist candidates build support through promises of rapid security improvements.

Enrique Roig, vice president of Human Rights First and a former U.S. State Department official, said an increasingly coordinated right-wing movement in the region has successfully used public concerns about crime as a political mobilizing tool.

Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America argued that voters frustrated by violence often favor policies that promise immediate results, even when long-term reforms may offer more sustainable solutions.

According to Isacson, proposals traditionally associated with the political left—such as community violence prevention programs, police reforms and judicial improvements—typically require years to show measurable outcomes, while hardline security campaigns offer voters a more immediate sense of action.

Organized Crime Continues to Shape Public Anxiety

Although regional homicide rates have generally declined over the past decade, several countries continue to experience significant violence linked to organized crime.

Data from InSight Crime indicated that Latin America and the Caribbean recorded a combined homicide rate decline of more than 5% last year compared with 2024, averaging roughly 17.6 killings per 100,000 residents. However, several countries have moved in the opposite direction.

Authorities in Peru recorded approximately 2,400 homicides last year, while Colombia reported 14,780 killings. Ecuador experienced a 31% increase in murders year over year, reaching 9,216 cases.

Officials and researchers have linked much of the violence to drug trafficking networks, prison gang conflicts and expanding criminal organizations operating across national borders.

Extortion has also become a growing concern. Ecuadorian authorities reported more than 16,000 extortion cases last year, though experts have suggested the true figure may be significantly higher because many incidents go unreported.

Bukele’s Model Gains Regional Influence

The security policies implemented by Bukele in El Salvador have become a frequent reference point for politicians seeking office elsewhere in the region.

Several candidates have promoted stricter border controls, expanded military involvement in public security and tougher prison conditions for gang members.

In Chile, concerns about crime and migration helped strengthen support for conservative leader José Antonio Kast, who campaigned on promises that included tougher immigration enforcement and stricter anti-gang measures. During his campaign, Kast visited El Salvador to observe Bukele’s prison system firsthand.

In Peru, presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori has centered much of her campaign on restoring public order amid rising concerns over extortion and organized crime. Her platform includes proposals to increase military involvement in prisons and border security.

Similar law-and-order themes have also played a significant role in recent elections in Costa Rica and Honduras.

Democracy Concerns Accompany Security Debate

The growing appeal of hardline security policies has sparked debate among academics, human rights advocates and political observers about the long-term implications for democratic governance.

Eduardo Moncada, director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at Columbia University, said declining public confidence in institutions has contributed to greater public openness toward more aggressive security approaches.

According to Moncada, some voters increasingly question whether democratic systems are capable of addressing crime effectively, creating space for leaders who promise stronger executive action.

The challenge has become particularly difficult for left-leaning governments that have struggled with sluggish economic growth, corruption controversies and unmet reform expectations in recent years.

Even some progressive leaders have adopted tougher rhetoric or security measures in response to public concerns. Examples cited in recent political debates include emergency anti-gang measures in Guatemala and statements from regional leaders suggesting elements of Bukele’s approach deserve examination.

Campaign Promises Face Governing Constraints

Despite their electoral appeal, security-focused campaign pledges have often encountered obstacles once candidates take office.

In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa entered office promising major anti-crime initiatives, including large prison projects and other aggressive security measures. Some proposals were later scaled back or delayed as his administration confronted financial limitations and institutional challenges.

Chile has faced similar difficulties. Efforts to rapidly implement large-scale deportations and other security promises have proven more complicated than campaign rhetoric suggested.

Political analysts note that governing larger and more complex democracies presents challenges that differ significantly from conditions in El Salvador, where Bukele’s party maintains overwhelming legislative control.

As crime continues to dominate political discourse across Latin America, governments throughout the region are confronting the challenge of balancing demands for stronger security with legal, financial and democratic constraints. Whether voters remain supportive of hardline approaches may depend on whether those policies deliver measurable improvements in public safety.

Tags: Latin America, Nayib Bukele, Crime, Organized Crime, Elections, Migration, Security Policy, Democracy

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Across the country, residents report growing fear as criminal groups expand their influence beyond traditional strongholds. In cities such as Trujillo, extortion demands have become a routine threat for market vendors, transportation workers and small business owners, many of whom say they receive little protection from authorities. The Associated Press reported that extortion complaints have increased sharply in recent years while homicide levels have also climbed nationwide.

Security Crisis Shapes the Election

Public safety has become the central issue for voters as Peru confronts one of its most significant crime waves in recent decades. Government figures cited by the Associated Press show that extortion reports have multiplied over the past five years, while homicides reached more than 2,200 cases in 2025. Criminal organizations have targeted businesses, schools and transport operators, often demanding payments in exchange for protection.

The violence has fueled frustration with state institutions. Residents interviewed by AP described a climate in which kidnappings, contract killings and intimidation have become increasingly common, particularly in urban areas where gangs operate openly. Some businesses have invested heavily in private security as confidence in law enforcement declines.

Candidates Face Pressure to Deliver Solutions

The runoff pits Fujimori, leader of the Fuerza Popular party and daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, against Sánchez, a former minister representing the Juntos por el Perú coalition. Neither candidate secured enough support to win outright in the first round, making coalition-building and voter turnout critical in the final contest.

Crime has dominated campaign messaging from both camps. Candidates have pledged stronger action against criminal organizations, though critics and security specialists cited by AP have questioned whether existing institutions possess the resources needed to reverse current trends. Police units investigating extortion cases reportedly face shortages of funding, technology and personnel, limiting their effectiveness.

Organized Crime Expands Its Reach

Authorities and researchers have linked the growth of criminal networks to the profitability of illegal mining operations and other illicit activities that generate substantial revenue for organized groups. AP reported that criminal organizations have increasingly diversified their operations, extending extortion schemes into sectors previously considered less vulnerable.

The unequal impact of the security crisis has also become a political issue. Wealthier districts often maintain stronger private security measures, while lower-income communities remain more exposed to criminal activity. Residents in affected neighborhoods say the disparity has deepened concerns about inequality and government effectiveness.

Stability Remains a Broader Concern

The election takes place against a backdrop of prolonged political turbulence. Peru has experienced frequent leadership changes and institutional instability over the past decade, contributing to public dissatisfaction with political elites and state institutions. The next president will face pressure not only to address crime but also to restore confidence in governance.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, security concerns continue to overshadow traditional campaign issues. For many Peruvians, the runoff has become less a contest of ideology than a test of which candidate can offer a credible response to a worsening climate of fear and violence.

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The ritual, held on Herradura Beach in the Chorrillos district of the Peruvian capital, featured shamans carrying posters of presidential contenders Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez while conducting ceremonies intended to bring guidance and positive outcomes ahead of Sunday’s decisive vote. The event comes as Peru continues to grapple with political turmoil, corruption scandals and frequent changes in leadership.

Fujimori, a conservative politician and daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, faces Sánchez, a nationalist congressman and former government minister, in a closely contested runoff following the first round of voting in April. Polls cited by the Associated Press indicate the race remains highly competitive heading into the final days of campaigning.

Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Politics

The blessing ceremony followed a longstanding tradition observed by some Peruvian spiritual practitioners before major political events and at the beginning of each year.

Shamans participating in the ritual used flower petals, fruit, coca leaves, pieces of palo santo wood, black tobacco, swords and dolls while lighting colorful flares and beating drums along the shoreline. The ceremony blended Indigenous spiritual customs with symbolic gestures intended to promote national well-being and favorable outcomes.

“The ritual we perform is primarily intended to ensure that the best candidate is the one who represents our Peru,” shaman Andrés de los Santos said during the gathering, according to the Associated Press.

While participants did not publicly predict the outcome of the election, some of the shamans involved have previously made forecasts about political developments in Latin America.

Runoff Follows Troubled First Round

The election campaign has unfolded against a backdrop of public frustration with Peru’s political system.

Official election results showed Fujimori received slightly more than 17% of votes in the first round, while Sánchez secured roughly 12% in a crowded field of candidates. The April vote was marked by logistical problems that prevented thousands of Peruvians, both domestically and abroad, from casting ballots, and election authorities required several weeks to confirm the final runoff contenders.

The prolonged counting process added to concerns about institutional stability in a country that has experienced repeated political crises over the past decade.

Political Instability Remains Central Concern

The winner of Sunday’s runoff will become Peru’s ninth president in just ten years, underscoring the depth of political volatility that has affected the South American nation.

The next president will replace interim leader José María Balcázar, who assumed office in February after the removal of another interim president, José Jerí, over corruption allegations. The rapid turnover of leaders has contributed to ongoing questions about governance, public trust and institutional stability.

Corruption scandals have repeatedly led to the downfall of Peruvian presidents and senior officials, making political reform and government credibility important issues for many voters heading into the runoff.

Decisive Vote Approaches

The runoff winner will be sworn into office on July 28 for a five-year term and will inherit a country facing economic challenges, political polarization and widespread demands for stronger governance.

Although the blessing ritual carried symbolic rather than political significance, it highlighted the intense public attention surrounding the election and the uncertainty surrounding its outcome. With both candidates remaining closely matched, the final result remains unclear ahead of Sunday’s vote.

Authorities have not reported major disruptions ahead of the runoff, and electoral officials continue preparations for what is expected to be one of Peru’s most consequential presidential elections in recent years.

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Indigenous communities in Peru are breathing a sigh of relief after a major setback for oil drilling plans on their ancestral land. Peru’s state-run oil company, Petroperu, failed to attract any bids to develop an oil field known as Block 64—territory that overlaps with the homelands of the Achuar, Wampis, and Chapra nations.

The failed tender on Thursday marks a significant blow to Petroperu’s ambitions to expand oil production in the Amazon region, sparking celebrations among Indigenous groups and environmental advocates.

“This is great news amid so many hardships we’ve endured. It’s a relief, but we remain vigilant,” said Olivia Bisa Tirko, president of the Chapra Nation’s autonomous government in Loreto, Peru, in a phone interview with The Associated Press.

Petroperu, however, claims the last-minute withdrawal of interested companies was due to internal strategic shifts rather than pressure from Indigenous opposition. The company insists that local communities support oil development and have granted the necessary social license for the project to proceed without conflict.

Since 1995, Indigenous groups have consistently opposed oil projects in the area, blocking numerous companies over environmental concerns and violations of their rights. Petroperu took control of Block 64 in 2022, despite ongoing resistance.

“It’s been a fight ever since the government granted the concession without consulting us,” said Bisa Tirko. “For over 25 years, we’ve fought to protect our right to live in a healthy and balanced environment.”

This outcome highlights the growing legal, environmental, and reputational challenges deterring investors from pursuing oil development in the Amazon.

Andrew Miller, advocacy director at Amazon Watch, an organization dedicated to protecting the rainforest, explained that strong Indigenous resistance has repeatedly stopped multinational oil companies from developing Block 64.

“Communities near other oil blocks have suffered poisoned water, social division, and poverty,” Miller said. “Every day the oil doesn’t flow is a day they can continue living off their rivers as they always have.”

Despite tens of millions of dollars invested by companies over the years, none have profited from attempts to develop the area. Miller describes Block 64 as a “financial dead end” for the oil industry, though he expects the Peruvian government to keep pushing for development.

“Local communities and their allies will stay alert to this ‘zombie project’ — it’s been killed many times but keeps trying to come back,” he added.

For now, the Indigenous peoples of Peru’s Amazon celebrate a hard-won victory in their ongoing battle to protect their ancestral lands and environment from the costly impacts of oil drilling.

Source: AP News – Amazonian communities in Peru rejoice as plan for oil drilling on ancestral land stalls

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