Guatemala shaken by powerful earthquake near Mexico border

San Marcos, Guatemala - A powerful earthquake Sunday shook Guatemala near its southwestern border with Mexico, causing some buildings to collapse but claiming no known victims, the country's National Institute for Seismology reported.

Guatemala was struck by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake near the border with Mexico, with no victims reported.
Guatemala was struck by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake near the border with Mexico, with no victims reported.  © 123rf/vchalup

The quake, with a magnitude of 6.5, struck at 5:39 AM. Its epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean 55 miles from the coast of San Marcos department and at a depth of 15.5 miles, the institute said.

A bulletin from the San Marcos government said no victims had been reported.

But the National Hospital of San Marcos suffered "slight damage," according to the state Coordinator for Disaster Reduction.

SpaceX set for Starship's next flight – with Trump watching
Space Travel SpaceX set for Starship's next flight – with Trump watching

It also reported three landslides on the Cito Zarco highway.

The authorities say 90% of Guatemala is prone to tremors, owing to the convergence of the Caribbean and Cocos tectonic planes, as well as local geological faults.

A 1976 quake of 7.5 magnitude claimed some 23,000 lives.

Cover photo: 123rf/vchalup

More on Environment and Climate: