A tsunami warning has been issued after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Guatemala, prompting evacuations and sending residents fleeing to higher ground. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred near Puerto Madero, a port and fishing town approximately eight miles from the Guatemalan border, at a depth of 6.21 miles.
Evacuations and Immediate Response
Buildings have been evacuated across the region as people seek shelter. A video shared on social media shows a large number of individuals evacuating an office block, though no visible damage is apparent. Local authorities have initiated security protocols, with staff in government buildings also evacuating as a precaution.
Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America, shares borders with Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize. The earthquake was felt strongly in Guatemala City, causing residents to rush into the streets, according to Reuters. The tremor was also reported in El Salvador.
Tsunami Threat and Geological Impact
The USGS has warned of a tsunami threat to parts of the Pacific Ocean near the epicenter. The agency stated: "Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block with concrete bond beam and mud wall construction." Additionally, liquefaction could affect an extensive area and population. Liquefaction, a process where water-saturated soil temporarily loses strength and behaves like a liquid, commonly occurs during seismic events.
Regional Effects and Reports
In the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, Governor Salomon Jara reported that the earthquake was felt with moderate intensity in the state capital, but no serious damage was immediately reported. The USGS noted that the region's population resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction, highlighting the risk of damage in areas with adobe and mud wall buildings.
As of now, no casualties or major structural damage have been confirmed, but authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to remain alert for aftershocks and potential tsunami waves.
