4 consecutive earthquakes in Guatemala in just 2 hours

Four consecutive earthquakes rocked southeastern Guatemala in less than 2 hours yesterday afternoon, leaving at least one person dead when some walls collapsed. At least 3 people were also reported missing.

A house was damaged by an earthquake in Cuilapa, Guatemala.

President Alvaro Colom called on people to calm down after the earthquakes were felt across Central America, with the strongest earthquake of magnitude 5.8 magnitude. All have epicenter in an area about 50 meters southeast of Guatemala City, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

"There is no possibility of a stronger earthquake ," Colom told a news conference.

The President of Guatemala also said all rescue forces and government agencies were mobilized to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake.

Rescue workers carry the victim's body
killed by an earthquake in Cuilapa, Guatemala.

According to USGS geophysicist Rafael Abreu, all four earthquakes are related to a cracked path running through the area.

A 38-year-old woman, Floridalma Divas Escobar, died when a wall collapsed at her home in Cuilapan, the epicenter and was one of the worst affected areas.

President Colom said at least three people were missing and others were injured, although he did not specify specific numbers and locations.

People panicked because of the earthquake.

Beside Cuilapan, other areas like Santa Maria Inhuatan and Oratorio were also seriously affected. Public buildings have been evacuated and classes have been canceled.

Many people had to plug in temporary tents to sleep last night due to damage to their homes and fears of other earthquakes.

Earthquakes also caused landslides along the main road connecting El Salvador and at least one car was buried.

Government officials evacuated the building of the Supreme Court in Guatemala City.

The strongest earthquake occurred at 12:34 local time, half an hour after the magnitude 4.8 earthquake. Then there were two magnitude 4.8 and 4.5 magnitude earthquakes. Depth of earthquakes ranged from 37-61km.

A landslide caused by an earthquake in Cuilapa, Guatemala.


A man carried a cushion to the evacuation zone.

A person is injured by an earthquake being supported
help at Los Esclavos, 65km from Guatemala City.