Deadly Earthquakes Strike Guatemala, Claim Lives
The Pacific Ring of Fire's seismic activity has long posed a threat to Guatemala, with the country's disaster response agencies and government working to minimize the impact of such disasters, while the international community offers support and aid to those affected.
A series of earthquakes and aftershocks hit Guatemala, resulting in the deaths of two people when falling rocks crushed their vehicle, while the disaster response agency urged evacuations to minimize casualties and injuries.
The earthquakes struck southern Guatemala on Tuesday, July 9, with the US Geological Survey reporting a 5.2 magnitude quake with its epicentre near Amatitlán city at depths of up to 6.2 miles. The quakes caused widespread damage, prompting the suspension of schools and workplaces in affected departments to assess the extent of the destruction.
President Bernardo Arévalo confirmed that five people were buried in a landslide, with two rescued and the rest hospitalized. The government's swift response to the disaster aimed to mitigate the impact of the earthquakes and ensure the safety of those affected. Guatemala's location in the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
As the people of Guatemala begin to rebuild and recover from the devastating earthquakes, the government and disaster response agencies remain vigilant, working to prevent further casualties and provide aid to those affected by the disaster.