CHAMPERICO, Retalhuleu Department — According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 5.9 magnitude quake occurred close to Champerico Saturday afternoon.

At 20:40 UTC (14:40 local time), the region was jolted by a tremor. The earthquake shook at a depth of 9 km, with its epicenter roughly 100 km south-southwest of Champerico. Seismologists first reported it as a 6.0 event, but later downgraded it to 5.9.

Did you feel it?

You can let the USGS know if you felt the quake by filling out their Felt Report form. 14 people have submitted responses through the agency’s online form, reporting they experienced the tremor.

Impact and estimated losses

Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. 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.

Historical information
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake 357 km east of this event struck San Salvador, El Salvador on October 10, 1986 (UTC), with estimated population exposures of 1,349,000 at intensity VII and 30,000 at intensity VIII, resulting in a reported 1,500 fatalities.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey