Two Earthquakes of 5.2 and 5.7 Magnitude Strike Guatemala, Causing Structural Damage

Two Earthquakes Strike Guatemala on Tuesday

Epicenter in Escuintla, No Casualties Reported

Videos Show Damage to Nearby Buildings

On Tuesday, Guatemala was rocked by two significant earthquakes, sparking concern and prompting evacuations of buildings in the capital, Guatemala City.

One quake registered a magnitude of 5.2, while the other was even stronger at magnitude 5.7.

Both tremors occurred between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. local time, according to reports from the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (Conred) through its official channels.

Although the quakes were notably strong, local authorities have not reported any fatalities or injuries.

Earthquakes Strike Guatemala: Details of the Earthquakes

The 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Guatemala caused damage to homes; so far, it’s unclear if there are any injuries. pic.twitter.com/NNRsOQLBXe

— Ruido en la Red (@RuidoEnLaRed) July 8, 2025

Conred explained that, in addition to the main quakes, several minor aftershocks were felt in the same areas.

The epicenter of these seismic events was located in southern Guatemala, specifically in the province of Escuintla, about 50 kilometers from Guatemala City.

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The proximity of the epicenter to the capital heightened alarm among citizens.

“The safety of our families is the priority. During an earthquake in Guatemala, take precautions, follow the authorities’ instructions, and adhere to emergency protocols.”

Impact of the Quakes in Escuintla

Severe damage reported in Palín, Escuintla pic.twitter.com/1GlpZmxMCf

— Sismología Nacional de Guatemala (@sisnagt_oficial) July 8, 2025

“We are mobilized to assist the population, calmly and responsibly. Please report any damage to the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction of Guatemala at 119.” wrote Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo on social media.

On social platforms, several users shared videos showing damage to buildings in areas near Escuintla and Antigua—two of the regions most affected by the seismic events.

Despite the worrying images circulating online, authorities have made it clear that, so far, there are no official reports of injuries.

However, they have warned the public about the possibility of further aftershocks and urged residents to stay alert and follow guidance from emergency services.

Conclusion

In Guatemala—a country prone to frequent earthquakes due to its geologic location—authorities continue assessing the extent of the damage.

While the magnitude of these recent tremors was not as high as that of past major seismic events, their closeness to urban areas increased the perceived risk.

As hours pass, more details on the damage are expected from officials.

Meanwhile, citizens remain vigilant amid the ongoing threat of additional seismic activity in the region.