Lima, Peru—A powerful earthquake shook the capital city earlier today, resulting in 45 confirmed deaths. The tremors caused multiple buildings to collapse in the urban center. Panic swept through the streets as the ground moved violently for several seconds.

Emergency crews are currently working in shifts to pull survivors from the wreckage. Search teams are prioritizing sites where sounds were heard beneath the concrete. Heavy cranes have been brought in to lift slabs and clear pathways for responders.

Hospitals in the city are facing an extreme influx of injured individuals. Surgeons and nurses are performing triage in lobbies as emergency rooms have reached full capacity. The government has activated disaster protocols to bring in additional medical resources.

The epicenter of the quake was located near the coastal region, causing significant structural damage to older infrastructure. Power grids are largely offline, leaving most of the city without electricity. Residents are gathered in open squares and parks to stay clear of potentially unstable structures.

Presidential officials issued an immediate call for international assistance during a brief press conference. They emphasized that the scale of the damage has surpassed the capacity of local agencies alone. The government has declared a state of national mourning for the next three days.

Urban planners noted that many of the destroyed buildings had not been retrofitted for major seismic events. While the city has strict codes, older residential sectors were hit particularly hard by the shifting ground. Engineers are now auditing standing structures for safety.

Communication networks remain patchy, making it difficult for families to locate loved ones. Government hotlines have been established to help coordinate the search and identify the missing. Information is being updated as quickly as personnel can verify reports.

The city remains on edge as aftershocks continue to register throughout the afternoon. Responders have been advised to maintain caution while working near damaged facades. The focus remains on saving lives and stabilizing the immediate debris fields.