Epicenter and Magnitude
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale jolted the border region between Mexico and Guatemala early on Sunday, causing alarm among residents. The seismic event occurred just before 6 a.m. local time near the Mexican border town of Suchiate. The epicenter was situated off the Pacific coast, approximately 10 miles west-southwest of Brisas Barra de Suchiate, where the Suchiate River meets the sea. The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4, was detected by the U.S. Geological Survey at a depth of 47 miles (75 kilometers).
Impact and Response
The tremors prompted fearful residents to evacuate their homes and seek safety outdoors. While there were no immediate reports of significant damage in Mexico, remote mountainous areas along the border are susceptible to landslides. Meanwhile, Guatemala’s national disaster prevention agency shared images of minor landslides on highways and structural cracks in a hospital in the Quetzaltenango region. However, there were no casualties reported.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents in affected areas described the intensity of the earthquake. In San Cristobal, the quake triggered seismic alert systems, awakening residents moments before the shaking began. Similarly, in Tuxtla Chico, residents recounted the terrifying experience of feeling the ground tremble beneath them.
Follow-up Seismic Activity
Subsequent to the main earthquake, a series of smaller tremors rattled Mexico’s northern state of Baja California. Although the region experienced at least two dozen minor earthquakes, ranging from magnitudes 2.5 to 4.6, there were no immediate reports of damage. These seismic events occurred approximately 30 miles south of El Centro, California, and were unrelated to the earthquake near Suchiate.
Relief Efforts and Assessment
Civil defense authorities in affected regions swiftly mobilized to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents. Teams conducted thorough inspections of infrastructure and communicated with remote communities via radio broadcasts to provide updates and guidance. Fortunately, initial assessments indicated minimal damage, offering relief to local populations.
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