Key facts
- A series of shallow earthquakes struck near Guatemala City on Tuesday.
- The earthquakes caused several injuries, structural damage, and landslides.
- The main shock was a magnitude 5.7 earthquake, with nearly 40 aftershocks recorded.
- President Bernardo Arévalo confirmed damage to homes and stated two individuals were rescued and hospitalized.
- Classes and work activities were suspended in Guatemala, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez departments.
A series of shallow earthquakes struck near Guatemala City on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, causing several injuries, structural damage, and landslides, according to officials and local media.
The seismic activity began at 3:11 p.m. local time with a magnitude 4.8 earthquake southwest of Guatemala City. Approximately 30 minutes later, a stronger magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the same area, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This was followed by nearly 40 aftershocks, including another magnitude 4.8 quake about 15 minutes after the main shock.
The epicenters were located near the city of Amatitlán, about 4.7 km from Guatemala City, at depths of up to 10 km, according to USGS data.
President Bernardo Arévalo stated at a press briefing that five people were buried by land and rockslides, with two rescued and hospitalized, and three others treated for medical emergencies. He also confirmed damage to several structures, primarily homes constructed with sun-dried blocks. Community centers and shelters have been established for affected families.
Classes and work activities were suspended for Wednesday in the departments of Guatemala, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez to allow emergency personnel to assess structural damage.
Guatemala is situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.