Following a powerful 5.7-magnitude earthquake near Guatemala City, the Guatemalan government has taken decisive actions to ensure public safety, including shutting down schools and non-essential businesses while assessing damage and casualties.
Guatemala Shutter Schools and Businesses Following Deadly Earthquake
Guatemala Shutter Schools and Businesses Following Deadly Earthquake
Authorities react to 5.7-magnitude earthquake and its aftermath that claimed lives and led to significant infrastructural damage.
In response to the earthquake that struck about ten miles southwest of Guatemala City on Tuesday, the Guatemalan government announced on Wednesday the suspension of classes in schools around the capital. The magnitude of the earthquake triggered landslides that resulted in the tragic deaths of at least two individuals when a boulder fell onto their vehicle. In wake of the disaster, multiple buildings suffered damage, prompting officials to evacuate certain areas as reports of aftershocks continued.
The earthquake prompted the national disaster agency to report the potential for further landslides, raising concerns about additional structural collapses. President Bernardo Arévalo addressed the nation, confirming that inspections would be conducted at the Finance Ministry, which remained closed to evaluate any damages. Despite Guatemala’s geographic predisposition to volcanic activity, the earthquake was identified as unrelated to any volcanic eruption.
The capital, with a populous density of approximately three million, has remained on high alert as residents grapple with the aftermath. Emergency responders are actively engaged in rescue operations, and further assessments of the structural integrity of homes and infrastructure are ongoing.
The earthquake prompted the national disaster agency to report the potential for further landslides, raising concerns about additional structural collapses. President Bernardo Arévalo addressed the nation, confirming that inspections would be conducted at the Finance Ministry, which remained closed to evaluate any damages. Despite Guatemala’s geographic predisposition to volcanic activity, the earthquake was identified as unrelated to any volcanic eruption.
The capital, with a populous density of approximately three million, has remained on high alert as residents grapple with the aftermath. Emergency responders are actively engaged in rescue operations, and further assessments of the structural integrity of homes and infrastructure are ongoing.
