SUCHIATE, Chis. — A 5.9 magnitude quake occurred near Brisas Barra de Suchiate on Tuesday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

At 05:35 UTC (23:35 local time), a tremor jolted the region at a depth of 35 km, with its epicenter approximately 50 km west-southwest of Brisas Barra de Suchiate. Seismologists first reported it as a 5.8 event, but later upgraded it to 5.9.

Did you feel it?

Those who felt the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form. 22 people have submitted responses through the agency’s online form, reporting they experienced weak to light shaking. Residents reported feeling the quake in a number of cities, such as Chinautla, Santa Catarina Pinula, Petapa, Antigua Guatemala and Olintepeque according to the USGS DYFI report.

Impact and estimated losses

The USGS categorized this as a Green Alert, which means there is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Structure information summary

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and adobe block with concrete bond beam construction.

Tremors past week

Over the last week, there have been 12 earthquakes with a magnitude 2.5 or above centered nearby. The biggest, a 5.1 magnitude quake, was registered close to Puerto Madero on Jul. 24.

The top five nearby quakes from last week:

• 5.1, southwest of Puerto Madero on July 25
• 4.9, southwest of Champerico on July 23
• 4.6, southwest of Puerto Madero on July 21
• 4.5, southwest of Champerico on July 23
• 4.5, southwest of Puerto Madero on July 22

Area struck by 7.5 quake in 1976
The area has experienced significant seismic activity in the past. A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck 4.3 miles north of Los Amates in Los Amates on Feb. 4, 1976, at a depth of 3.1 miles.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey