Reports from Guatemala indicate that a series of earthquakes has struck the Central American nation, resulting in two fatalities and widespread disruption.
More than 37 earthquakes and aftershocks were recorded in Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon. Edwin Rodas, director of the National Institute for Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology, reports that these tremors ranged in magnitude from 3.0 to 5.6 on the Richter scale.
Two men lost their lives as their pickup truck was struck by falling rocks in the department of Escuintla. Firefighters at the scene confirmed that the rockfall was a direct result of the earthquakes.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has stated that the main epicenter was located in the department of Sacatepéquez, with aftershocks felt in Escuintla and the Guatemala department. The tremors’ effects extended as far as neighboring El Salvador, prompting building evacuations and causing minor property damage.
There have also been landslides in the affected regions. President Arévalo confirmed that at least five individuals were buried, with two already rescued. The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction has declared an orange alert, the second highest on their emergency scale.
The US Geological Survey has corroborated these reports, documenting multiple significant quakes in the region. Their data indicates a 4.8 magnitude earthquake near Amatitlán, followed by a 5.7 magnitude quake northwest of San Vicente Pacaya, and another 4.8 magnitude tremor near Palín.
As the situation continues to unfold, questions remain about the potential for further seismic activity and the full extent of the damage. The importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in this earthquake-prone region cannot be overstated.