Guatemala: Reports of minor damage and landslides following magnitude-6.2 earthquake in Escuintla Department Feb. 16 /update 1

Event

Response operations and damage assessments are ongoing following a magnitude-6.2 earthquake and several aftershocks in Escuintla Department in southern Guatemala early Feb. 16. The National Coordination for Disaster Reduction of Guatemala (CONRED) has released preliminary information stating damage has occurred in some houses and on some highways but no casualties have been reported. Property damage has been reported at the 100th Volunteer Fore Company of San Cristobal building in Mixco commune and at a home in Salcaja in Quetzaltenango Department. Structural damage has also been reported in Sipacate, Escuintla Department, and in Totonicapan Department. Landslides have occurred on the Cito-180 route near Zunil in Quetzaltenango Department, on the route from Antigua Guatemala to Santa Lucia Milpas Altas in Sacatepequez Department, and between Patzicia and Patzun in Chimaltenango Department.

Power outages have been reported in the cities of Mixco, Chimaltenango, and Quetzaltenango, as well as in Sacatepequez Department. Due to the earthquake occurring in the evening hours and the ongoing aftershocks, it could be some time before a comprehensive damage assessment can be completed.

The magnitude-6.2 earthquake occurred in Escuintla Department at around 01:12 Feb. 16. The epicenter was about 1.0 km (0.6 miles) south-southeast of Neuva Concepcion. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 83 km (52 miles), and moderate-to-strong shaking was probably felt near the epicenter. Light shaking was likely felt in the rest of southern and central Guatemala, western El Salvador and Honduras, and southern Chiapas State in Mexico. The initial earthquake has been followed by at least three aftershocks of lesser magnitude, which are likely to hamper recovery efforts and the damage assessment process.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.

Resources

The National Coordination for Disaster Reduction of Guatemala (CONRED) Twitter (Spanish)