Guatemala Earthquake: 6.9 Magnitude Felt Across Border In Mexico, 1 Reported Injured

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a 6.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the early hours of Wednesday, June 14, in parts of Guatemala and southern Mexico. Hours after the first shake, a replica of 5.0 was registered as well as cuts of energy in several points of the country, reason why the authorities asked to remain calm.

CNN en Espanol, informed a person was reported injured in San Sebastian Retalhuelu in southern Guatemala, after a church collapsed, and it was necessary to transfer the person, who has not yet been identified, to a care center to treat their wounds.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the earthquake is not expected to generate a tsunami and the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction reported moderate damage to homes in areas of the southwestern part of the country.

Officials told the Associated Press the tremor caused moderate damage to homes and triggered landslides across highways. Mexican Gov. Manuel Velasco said via Twitter that there were reports of cracked walls and shattered windows in Huixtla, but so far no injuries. The state’s Civil Protection authorities said the quake was felt across the border in Chiapas, Mexico.

The movements and collisions of the Rivera, Pacific, Cocos, Nazca, Caribbean and South American plates cause constant seismic activity. If you are inside a home at the time of an earthquake, USGS strongly recommends staying indoors and standing under a table or a hallway against an internal wall.

It is important to seek protection in a place away from windows and objects that may fall on top. It is best to shelter under or next to a firm element. If possible, cut off the electric power and turn off the water and gas switches, and use flashlights.

If on the other hand, you are in the street, the ideal thing to do is to move away from buildings, poles and electrical cables. Protect the head and neck with the arms. If you are a mountainous area, USGS explains that you have to be aware of falling rocks, landslides and get away from trees that may fall on top.