Dozens of Earthquakes Prove DEADLY!

A series of over 30 earthquakes and aftershocks struck Guatemala on Tuesday, resulting in at least two fatalities and widespread damage. The tremors, including a 5.2 magnitude quake, were felt across several departments, including Escuintla, Sacatepéquez, and Chimaltenango.

At a Glance

• Over 30 earthquakes and aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 3.0 to 5.6 shook the region.
• Two deaths were confirmed due to landslides triggered by the tremors, with additional injuries reported.
• Authorities evacuated buildings and reported minor damage to roads and property.
• President Bernardo Arévalo declared an orange alert and mobilized emergency response teams.

Earthquake Details and Impact

The initial 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the department of Escuintla at 3:11 PM local time, quickly followed by several aftershocks. The tremors caused landslides that buried vehicles and damaged buildings, particularly in Palin, where two people died after rocks fell on their pickup truck. Emergency crews rescued several others trapped by landslides during the event. These details were reported by AP News and further confirmed by Star Tribune.

In addition to human casualties, infrastructure damage was widespread. Local roads suffered landslides and blockages, complicating relief efforts. Some residential structures were damaged, prompting evacuations and emergency shelter operations. Several schools were closed temporarily to ensure safety.

Government Response

In response, President Arévalo urged citizens to remain calm and adhere to safety protocols. He emphasized the need for family preparedness and directed the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) to maintain vigilant monitoring. As a precautionary step, authorities suspended classes and non-essential work in affected departments such as Guatemala, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez, as reported by AS.

Conred activated emergency protocols and deployed search and rescue teams to the hardest-hit areas. Medical units were placed on high alert to address injuries from landslides and tremors. Local governments coordinated with national authorities to ensure timely delivery of aid and resources to affected communities.

Ongoing Situation

As aftershocks continue, authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage while emergency services assist affected residents. People in the region are advised to stay alert and follow updates from official channels. Additional information about the ongoing situation is available from Chron.

Experts warn that Guatemala’s location along several fault lines makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. The recent swarm highlights the need for continued investment in early warning systems and community preparedness programs to reduce risks in future events.