M6.2 earthquake hits Guatemala at intermediate depth
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit Guatemala at 02:53 UTC on July 21, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 265.5 km (165 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 7.7 km (4.8 miles) SW of San Pedro Pinula and 9.2 km (5.7 miles) E of Jalapa, Guatemala.
23 992 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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