Earthquake in Guatemala

More than 150 earthquakes and aftershocks were reported within approximately 60 kilometers of Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, beginning on the afternoon of 8 July.

The tremors, with magnitudes ranging from 3.0 to 5.7, triggered several landslides from the foothills of nearby volcanoes. These landslides affected highways and caused damage to infrastructure.

A death toll of four people was confirmed. Several fatalities were reported after people were trapped beneath debris and struck by falling rocks during the earthquakes and subsequent landslides. In the affected areas, homes were damaged or destroyed. As aftershocks continued through the night, many families slept outdoors in the streets for fear of further damage.

Emergency teams were dispatched to inspect buildings, hospitals, schools, and roads. No major infrastructure damage was identified, although assessments were ongoing.

Guatemala lay at the intersection of several tectonic plates, placing it in an area of heightened seismic vulnerability.