Guatemala is shaken by a strong earthquake this Friday, July 17

Home News Guatemala is shaken by a strong earthquake this Friday, July 17
Guatemala is shaken by a strong earthquake this Friday, July 17

Guatemala registered this Thursday, July 17 a magnitude 5.6 tremor that was felt in several departments of the country and caused alarm among the population.

According to the Insivumeh report, the epicenter was located in Quetzaltenango, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Several public buildings and educational centers were evacuated as a preventive measure.

The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) recommends that the population remain calm, check the conditions of their housing, avoid staying near structures that have visible damage and heed the instructions of the authorities.

The Guatemala Seismological Service reported an aftershock of magnitude 5.1 at 9:09 a.m.

July 17, 2026, 10:26h

Arévalo calls for calm after strong tremor

President Bernardo Arévalo asks to follow the protocols after a strong earthquake.

July 17, 2026, 10:20 a.m.

Damage reported in Quetzaltenango

The Guatemalan Red Cross reports that it continues monitoring after recorded earthquakes. At 15 avenue and 11 street, zone 1 of Quetzaltenango, damage to the wall of a house is reported.

July 17, 2026, 10:15 a.m.

Buildings evacuated in Guatemala City

In the capital, the evacuation of buildings is recorded as part of the earthquake protocols.

Free Press Photo: Erick Ávila)

July 17, 2026, 09:55h

In which departments was the earthquake strong?

The Conred verifies damage in the following departments, where the sensitivity was strong.

  • Chimaltenango
  • Escuintla
  • Huehuetenango
  • Quetzaltenango
  • Retalhuleu
  • Sacatepequez
  • Saint Mark
  • Sololá
  • Suchitepéquez
  • Totonicapan

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