LIMA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Peruvian government on Thursday declared a state of emergency in two districts of the central Junin department after a recent 5.1-magnitude earthquake killed six people.
According to a supreme decree published in the official gazette El Peruano, the measure will remain in effect for 60 days in the Ahuac district in Chupaca province and the Huayucachi district in Huancayo province, to allow immediate response and rehabilitation work.
The decree said the Junin regional government and local municipalities will coordinate actions with the National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci), along with relevant ministries and public and private entities.
The government also authorized measures to facilitate the donation and transportation of aid, including medical supplies, food, clothing, tools, fuel, heavy machinery, power generators, construction materials, water purification plants, tents and housing modules.
The quake struck on Saturday night, with its epicenter 7 km south of the city of Chupaca, causing major structural damage.
Peruvian Prime Minister Luis Arroyo has confirmed six deaths and at least 32 injuries. Indeci said more than 2,000 people had been affected in Chupaca, while humanitarian aid teams continued damage assessments and registration work.
