In the wake of a significant 5.7-magnitude earthquake that rattled Guatemala City, the Guatemalan government has taken decisive measures to protect public safety by suspending classes in schools and closing certain businesses in the capital and its surroundings. The earthquake, which struck approximately 10 miles southwest of the city on Tuesday afternoon, was followed by aftershocks that triggered landslides, resulting in at least two reported fatalities.
The national disaster agency confirmed that various buildings were severely impacted by the quake, leading to structural collapses and posing risks to nearby residents. Tragically, it was reported that a boulder fell on a vehicle, claiming the lives of two individuals, as stated by local news outlets citing on-site firefighters.
Guatemala City, home to around three million inhabitants, was quick to respond to the emergency. Classes were cancelled, and non-essential services in the area were ordered to stop to facilitate the assessment of damages and ensure safety among the populace. The Finance Ministry’s offices also remained closed as officials conducted evaluations of the building’s integrity.
President Bernardo Arévalo addressed the media to convey that several infrastructure elements, including homes and highways, sustained damage as a result of the earthquake. However, he clarified that the seismic event was unrelated to volcanic activity, despite Guatemala's history of eruptions in the region. The government is expected to continue monitoring the situation as inspections and recovery efforts unfold.
