Guatemala is a highly seismic Due to its location in the call Pacific Fire Beltan area that concentrates more than 75% of the world’s active volcanoes and where constant telluric movements occur due to the interaction of several tectonic plates.
Each year thousands of earthquakes are recorded in the national territory, although many go unnoticed by the population. However, when several tremors are concentrated in a single day, as happened on June 18, doubts and fears of the possibility of a seismic event of greater magnitude increase.
Although many of these movements were not noticeable to the population, some generated alarm due to their magnitude and intensity. What implications does this have for Guatemalans?
Three main earthquakes in the Mexican Pacific
According to him National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh) and data from Guatemala (SSG)a Seismic sequence originated in the region of Mexican Pacificmade up of a main event and several replicas:
- 3.49 hours: earthquake of Magnitude 6.1registered on the coast of Mexico, with a 1 kilometer depth. Was perceived with intensity III in San MarcosGuatemala.
- 4.07 hours: movement of Magnitude 5.1also in the Mexican Pacific region.
- 4.48 hours: Third earthquake, of Magnitude 4.5with a depth of 8.49 kilometers.
Víctor Tzorin, researcher and seismic signal analyst at the SSG, explained that throughout the day they identified themselves At least 10 replicasalthough Most was not sensitive to the populationsince the main event occurred to more than 200 kilometers from Guatemalan territory.
Other seismic movements recorded on June 18
In addition to the events related to the seismic sequence in the Pacific, they were detected Other independent tremors:
- An earthquake regional It was recorded to 28 kilometers to the SSO of Puerto El Triunfo, El Salvadorwith Intensity III in Moyuta, Jutiapa. They have been counted around 15 replicas of this movement.
- Another earthquake occurred to 3 kilometers east-southeast of Tucurú, Guatemalawith Intensity III in Purulhá, Baja Verapazcorresponding to the fault system Polochic-Motaguaone of the most active in the country.
How many earthquakes are recorded a day in Guatemala?
Guatemala is part of the Pacific Fire Beltone of the most active seismic areas.
According to Tzorin, the country is located on the interaction of Three tectonic plates:
This geological context causes them to register between 15 and 20 daily earthquakesalthough most are not noticeable to the population.
Should the population worry about the frequency of earthquakes?
For experts, The earthquakes in Guatemala are part of the day to daydue to its geographical location.
However, Tzorin emphasizes that Seismic prevention It is key to minimizing risks in case of an event of greater magnitude.
Some basic recommended prevention measures are:
- Have an emergency backpack of 72 hours.
- Install early warning applicationslike that of Insivumehon mobile devices.
- Engage in Dimulacros and educational programs About earthquakes.
Why do some earthquakes feel more than others?
Tzorin explains that there are two key concepts to understand how an earthquake is perceived:
- Magnitude: It measures the energy released by an earthquake. A high, but far magnitude earthquake may not feel as much as one less intense, but closer.
- Intensity: Measure how the earthquake was felt in a specific place. This is represented by Seismic intensity mapsthat use color codes to indicate the degree of perception:
| Intensity | Color | Description |
| Yo | White | No sense |
| II – III | Gray to Celeste Claro | Weak |
| IV | Blue | Light |
| V | Celeste greenish | Moderate |
| VI | Yellow | Strong |
| VII | Orange | Very strong |
| VIII | Reddish orange | Severe |
| IX | Red | Violent |
| X | Intense red | Extreme |
Normal within a seismically active environment
The June 18 earthquakes They are not a reason for imminent alarm, but they do serve as a reminder that Guatemala is a country with High seismic activity. The key is in Stay informed, prepared and educated.
Although You cannot predict when a strong earthquake will occurthe best defense is the prevention, TZORIN concludes.
Therefore, authorities and experts insist on the importance of having emergency family plans, strengthening vulnerable structures and using early alert technological tools.