A powerful earthquake rattled the border region of Mexico and Guatemala in the early hours of Sunday, prompting residents to flee to the streets in fear. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4, struck near the Mexican town of Suchiate, situated along the river that serves as the boundary between the two countries. The epicenter was located just off the Pacific coast, approximately 10 miles west-southwest of Brisas Barra de Suchiate where the river meets the sea. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 47 miles.
While no immediate reports of damage were received from Mexico, the mountainous and remote areas along the border are susceptible to landslides. In Guatemala, the national disaster prevention agency shared images of minor landslides on highways in the Quetzaltenango region and structural cracks in a hospital in San Marcos. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
In Tapachula, civil defense teams conducted assessments for any signs of damage, with initial reports indicating no significant impact. A local official expressed relief, stating that there were no damages detected so far. Despite the absence of major destruction, the earthquake caused alarm among residents in various areas.
In San Cristobal, a colonial city nestled in the mountains, the tremors were notably intense. Residents recounted being alerted by the seismic warning system moments before the quake struck, heightening their anxiety. Similarly, in Tuxtla Chico, a nearby town, a teacher described the experience as frightening and powerful.
The earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic activity prevalent in the region, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of natural disasters.
