Magnitude 5.1 Quake Shakes Guatemala's Pacific Coast; No Damage Reported
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A magnitude 5.1 earthquake was registered off the Pacific coast of Guatemala on Sunday evening.
- The tremor occurred at a depth of 44.28 kilometers, with its epicenter located in the Pacific Ocean.
- No damage or injuries have been reported so far, but authorities are reminding residents of safety precautions due to the country's high seismic activity.
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake shook the Pacific coast of Guatemala on Sunday night, registering at 10:00 PM local time. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 44.28 kilometers, with preliminary data placing its epicenter in the Pacific Ocean.
The Guatemalan Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (Insivumeh) reported the tremor, noting that its data is subject to change. As of the latest reports, there have been no official announcements regarding material damage or affected individuals.
Guatemala is situated in a region known for significant seismic activity, lying on the boundaries of the Caribbean, Cocos, and North American tectonic plates. The Middle America Trench off its Pacific coast is a frequent source of tremors of varying intensities.
In response to the event, civil protection agencies reiterated safety recommendations for residents. These include identifying evacuation routes, preparing emergency kits, staying clear of windows and unstable structures during a quake, avoiding elevators, and relying only on official information sources. Authorities also advised checking for structural damage to buildings and remaining alert for aftershocks.
Originally published by Prensa Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.