El Salvador: No damage reported following April 2 earthquake

Event

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of El Salvador at 17:23 (local time) on Monday, April 2. There was no tsunami risk. As of early April 3 there have been no reports of damage or casualties, although potentially powerful aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days. At least six low-intensity aftershocks have already been reported.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located 38 km (24 mi) south of the mouth of the Lempa River (San Vincente department). The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Honduras (western and southwestern areas, notably Intibucá) and Nicaragua (e.g. in Managua, León, and Chinandega).

Context

Earthquakes are common in El Salvador, which is located along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

Advice

In the event of further earthquakes and aftershocks, individuals should protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls (ideally in a corner), and to not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.