In a devastating turn of events, Guatemala finds itself grappling with the aftermath of a 5.7-magnitude earthquake that triggered deadly landslides and significant structural damage around its capital.
Guatemala Implements Emergency Measures Following Earthquake Disaster
Guatemala Implements Emergency Measures Following Earthquake Disaster
Schools and businesses in Guatemala City close as a 5.7-magnitude earthquake and landslides claim lives and damage infrastructure.
Guatemala's government declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after a powerful 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Guatemala City on Tuesday, causing landslides that resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals. The quake's epicenter was located approximately 10 miles southwest of the capital, home to a population nearing three million.
In response to the seismic activity, authorities ordered the suspension of classes at schools across the region and mandated that non-essential businesses temporarily close, prioritizing safety as aftershocks continued to rattle the area. The national disaster agency reported that landslides triggered by the quake contributed to several building collapses, with reports indicating that two people perished when a boulder fell onto their vehicle, according to local news sources.
Officials were quick to assess the damage, with Guatemala's Finance Ministry also closing its doors until a thorough inspection of the building could be conducted. President Bernardo Arévalo addressed the nation, informing the public that while several homes, roads, and infrastructure sustained damage, the earthquake was not associated with any volcanic activity, which is common in the region.
As the country assesses the ramifications of this natural disaster, locals are left to contend with the reality of aftershocks and the subsequent impact on their daily lives and community resilience.
