Late on Friday night, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake rattled southern Guatemala, creating a stir in the region. The quake, centered near the town of Taxisco, 60 miles south of Guatemala City, also sent tremors across the border into El Salvador. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or substantial material damage. This seismic event serves as a reminder of the geological challenges faced by Guatemala, a country situated at the convergence point of the Caribbean and Cocos tectonic plates.
The earthquake struck at 11:52 pm local time, with its epicenter located seven kilometers from the town of Taxisco. The US Geological Survey reported a depth of 108 kilometers for the quake. The Guatemalan Seismology Institute, measuring the tremor slightly lower at 6.0, noted its impact in the southern regions and even in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Antigua Guatemala, located 45 kilometers southwest of the capital.
As the quake’s epicenter was near the Guatemalan town of Taxisco, alarms sounded, and some residents in Guatemala City evacuated their homes. Despite the late hour, authorities in El Salvador reported feeling the tremors and described the quake as “strong.” However, no injuries or significant damage have been reported thus far.
In the town of San Pablo Jocopilas, northwest of the epicenter, parts of a church facade crumbled due to the quake, according to Guatemala’s emergency services agency CONRED. The authorities are actively monitoring the situation, with civil protection spokesman Rodolfo Garcia reassuring the public that no casualties or damage have been reported at this time.
Guatemala’s susceptibility to earthquakes is rooted in its geographical location. Positioned at the convergence of the Caribbean and Cocos tectonic plates, the country experiences frequent seismic activity. Authorities estimate that 90 percent of the Guatemalan territory is prone to earthquakes, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing and mitigating the impact of these natural events.
While the recent earthquake in southern Guatemala prompted alarms, evacuations, and rattled nerves, the absence of immediate reports of injuries or severe damage offers a sigh of relief. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the geological realities faced by countries like Guatemala, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents in the face of seismic challenges.
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