Earthquake damages 16th-century church in Peru

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake on 18 July severely damaged the 16th-century Iglesia Apóstol Santiago in Chongos Bajo, Junín, Peru, collapsing most of its roof, part of its façade, and the carved stone cross known as Our Lord of the Cani Cruz in the adjacent plaza. Built under Spanish viceroy Francisco de Toledo and designated a cultural heritage site by Peru’s Ministry of Culture, the adobe church seats around 300 people; its 30m-tall belltower was also damaged and is at risk of collapse. Parish priest Ricardo Ocharán launched a fundraising campaign through the Archdiocese of Huancayo, estimating that replacing the roof will cost more than $400,000 and that restoration could take two years. The quake also damaged the nearby colonial-era Capilla del Copón chapel, while Ministry of Culture workers, volunteers, and university students began clearing debris and securing religious images amid uncertainty over whether president-elect Keiko Fujimori, due to take office on 28 July, will prioritise the project.

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