COMAPA, Jutiapa Department — According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 5.7 magnitude quake hit close to Comapa Tuesday afternoon.

The tremor struck at 21:25 UTC (15:25 local time), with its epicenter located roughly 6 km southeast of Comapa and a depth of 10 km. Seismologists first reported it as a 5.3 event, but later upgraded it to 5.7.

Did you feel it?

Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form. 12 people have submitted responses through the agency’s online form, reporting they experienced the quake. Weak shaking was observed, with reports from cities such as San Pedro Sula and Chinautla indicating that the tremor was felt, according to the USGS DYFI report.

Impact and estimated losses

Yellow alert for economic losses. Some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of El Salvador. Past events with this alert level have required a local or regional level response. Green alert for shaking-related fatalities. There is a low likelihood of casualties. 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 highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and adobe block construction.

Historical information
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake 81 km northeast of this event struck Guatemala on February 4, 1976 (UTC), with estimated population exposures of 1,017,000 at intensity VIII and 80,000 at intensity IX or greater, resulting in a reported 22,778 fatalities.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey