A sudden earthquake off Peru’s central coast rattled millions on Sunday morning, shaking buildings across Lima and the bustling port city of Callao, leaving behind a trail of grief, damaged roads, and frightened residents. According to the United States Geological Survey, the tremor registered a magnitude of 5.6 and struck at 11:35 a.m. local time in the Pacific Ocean, with its epicenter just 23 kilometers southwest of Callao, dangerously close to the capital.

Tragedy struck when a 36-year-old man lost his life in northern Lima. Local police confirmed the victim was standing beside his vehicle, waiting for a passenger, when a wall from the fourth floor of a building under construction suddenly collapsed, fatally striking him. The unfortunate accident highlights the grim reality that even moderate quakes can unleash deadly surprises in densely populated urban areas.

Peru’s Emergency Operations Center reported five more citizens injured due to falling debris and structural collapses. All are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals, while authorities continue to assess damage across affected neighborhoods. Preliminary reports indicate that roads, homes, and several educational institutions have suffered visible cracks and partial destruction, fueling concerns about aftershocks and the safety of older buildings.

In response, Peru’s President Dina Boluarte has rushed to Callao to personally oversee rescue operations and evaluate the region’s urgent needs. On social media, the presidency urged calm but reminded residents to stay alert for possible aftershocks. Local footage aired on Peruvian television shows cars crushed by falling bricks, damaged homes, and billboards snapped in half by the seismic jolt.

The quake didn’t spare the country’s vibrant social life either — worshippers attending Sunday mass inside Lima’s historic cathedral fled in panic as the ground trembled beneath their feet. A professional football match at Lima’s Alberto Gallardo Stadium came to a sudden halt when the shaking forced players and fans alike to pause and seek safety.

Peru’s position along the notorious Ring of Fire means such quakes are not uncommon. This volatile belt surrounding the Pacific Ocean is infamous for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While Peruvians are no strangers to tremors, Sunday’s quake serves as a fresh reminder of nature’s unpredictable force and the need for constant vigilance and stronger urban planning.

As rescue teams and engineers inspect buildings for structural integrity, many families across Lima and Callao are left picking up the pieces — and bracing themselves for whatever tremor may come next.