A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Peru's Andes region, killing at least five people and injuring more than 20, while forcing around 300 residents to leave their homes, local authorities said on Sunday.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 9:24 pm local time on Saturday. Its epicentre was located about 2 kilometres (1.24 miles) west-southwest of Sicaya city in Huancayo province, at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles).
Peru's National Civil Defense Institute said the number of people missing remained unknown.
The earthquake caused the collapse of several buildings and inflicted structural damage on others, including a local church and convent.
Television footage aired by local media showed scenes of devastation in Chongo Bajo, one of the worst-affected agricultural areas. Relatives of victims gathered outside heavily damaged homes wrapped in blankets, while animals were seen trapped beneath the rubble.
Peru is highly prone to seismic activity as it lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," one of the world's most active earthquake zones.
In 2007, the country experienced one of its deadliest earthquakes when a 7.9-magnitude tremor struck Pisco province in the Ica region, killing nearly 600 people.