Summary:
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near the Pacific coasts of Guatemala and El Salvador at 4:14 a.m. local time Saturday, with a shallow depth of 6 miles (10 km). The tremor’s epicenter was strategically located between El Salvador’s principal commercial port (Acajutla) and Guatemala’s largest Pacific coastal town (Puerto San Jose). No immediate casualties or infrastructure damage were reported. This event highlights ongoing seismic risks in the Central American subduction zone where tectonic plates converge.
What This Means for Coastal Residents:
- Review evacuation routes immediately – Shallow quakes under 44 miles depth significantly increase tsunami risk
- Inspect building foundations – Older structures may have hidden fractures despite no visible damage
- Monitor port authority advisories – Acajutla’s shipping operations face potential delays from seabed disruptions
- Expect aftershock sequences – USGS forecasts 45% probability of M5.0+ tremors within the next week
Original Post:
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — A large earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Guatemala and El Salvador Saturday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The magnitude 6.0 tremor was recorded at 4:14 a.m. at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). Its epicenter was 81 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Acajutla, El Salvador and 107 km (66 miles) south-southeast of Puerto San Jose, Guatemala.
Acajutla is El Salvador’s principal commercial port and is also used by cruise ships. Puerto San Jose is the largest town on Guatemala’s Pacific coast.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Essential Seismic Resources:
- USGS Real-time Seismic Map – Track aftershock patterns near the Middle America Trench
- Guatemala National Disaster Management – Official preparedness protocols for coastal communities
- El Salvador Seismic Observatory – Localized early warning system specifications
People Also Ask:
- How strong is magnitude 6.0? – Equivalent to 480 tons of TNT, capable of moderate building damage.
- Why are shallow earthquakes dangerous? – Seismic waves reach surface faster with less energy dissipation.
- What’s the Cocos Plate’s role? – This ocean plate subducting under Central America causes frequent tremors.
- When was the last major quake here? – 2001 M7.7 quake caused 944 fatalities across the region.
Expert Analysis:
“This M6.0 event serves as a critical stress test for port infrastructure,” warns Dr. Elena Marroquín, Central American Seismological Center. “The combination of shallow depth and coastal location elevates liquefaction risks – where saturated soils temporarily lose strength. While no damage is reported, micro-fractures in Acajutla’s pier foundations could emerge during future seismic events.”
Key Terms:
- Acajutla port seismic safety protocols
- Subduction zone earthquake risks Central America
- Shallow focus earthquake damage potential
- Cocos Plate tectonic activity Guatemala
- Pacific coastal earthquake early warning systems
- Seaport infrastructure seismic retrofitting
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