Four Earthquakes Shake Central America: Expert Explains Seismic Activity in Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY – Four earthquakes were registered early Wednesday morning, causing concern among the population. The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) confirmed the seismic activity and provided an explanation for the tremors. The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.1, occurred at 3:49 AM off the Pacific coast. This was followed by a 5.1 magnitude quake at 4:07 AM, a 4.5 magnitude tremor at 4:48 AM, and a 5.8 magnitude earthquake at 5:57 AM. While the epicenters were located off the coasts of Mexico and El Salvador, the quakes were felt across Guatemala's national territory. An INSIVUMEH expert stated that these seismic events are considered normal activity due to Guatemala's location on a convergent tectonic plate boundary. "High pressures are generated in the Earth's crust, and when the rocks yield to these forces, a geological fault occurs, which generates an earthquake," the expert explained. He added that such seismic activity is constant and occurs daily. Authorities, including Conred and INSIVUMEH, are continuously monitoring the areas near the Pacific coast epicenters. They urge the public to remain calm and to stay informed through official channels and by downloading the INSIVUMEH application, which provides timely notifications for strong tremors. Over 275 earthquakes have been reported nationwide in June.