Guatemalan city of Jerez Communities in the vicinity of Jerez, El Adelanto, and Comapa were jolted by a series of large earthquakes that occurred in the southern part of Guatemala on Tuesday evening. These earthquakes prompted authorities to report widespread tremors throughout the region.
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake was observed at approximately 21:21 UTC, three kilometers west-northwest of Jerez, with a shallow depth of 7.7 kilometers, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This earthquake resulted in the greatest earthquake ever recorded. The strongest intensity measurements were obtained by this earthquake, and community accounts indicated that there was visible shaking and mild effects due to the earthquake. Both the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and initial Pager alerts stated that there was a modest risk of mortality and economic harm. The USGS assessed the probability for landslides and liquefaction as low.
At a depth of ten kilometers, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck six kilometers west of El Adelanto. This was followed by a 4.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred three kilometers south of Comapa. Both of these earthquakes occurred just minutes afterward. All of the events, which took place within a short period of time on Tuesday evening, were examined and confirmed by seismologists from the United States Geological Survey.
There were over thirty people who reported feeling the earthquake in Jerez, while at least five people reported feeling the tremor in El Adelanto, according to the data collected by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Despite the fact that there were no immediate reports of severe damage or injuries, interactive maps showed that the damaged areas extended into adjacent municipalities.
As a result of Guatemala’s placement along many fault lines, the earthquakes serve as a reminder of the country’s susceptibility to seismic activity. Aftershocks are being monitored by the authorities, and inhabitants are being urged to remain careful, particularly in places that are prone to landslides or to structures that are not very old.
On the other hand, local emergency response officials are continuing to analyze the situation even if they have not yet issued any evacuation orders. In order to assist with ongoing community science activities, those who experienced shaking are strongly invited to submit reports about their experiences.
