On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Guatemala experienced one of the most intense earthquake swarms of the year. The main epicenter was located near Amatitlán and San Vicente Pacaya, in the departments of Guatemala, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez. The initial major tremor reached a magnitude of 5.7, followed by more than 37 aftershocks, the most significant of which measured 4.8, all occurring at depths close to 10 km.
The consequences were devastating. At least six people died, including a father and son who were crushed by a landslide that fell on their pickup truck in Suchitepéquez. More than 21 people were injured, and significant structural damage was reported: 79 homes affected (52 with severe damage), building collapses, cracked roads, and interruptions to basic services.
The government response included the activation of an orange alert, the suspension of classes and public services in the most affected areas, and the deployment of the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) to assess the emergency. President Bernardo Arévalo urged the public to remain calm, activate safety protocols, and follow official guidance.
What measures should Guatemalans take now?
Guatemalan authorities recommend keeping family emergency plans up to date, having a 72-hour emergency kit ready, planning evacuation routes, avoiding unstable areas like hillsides or damaged buildings, and following only official channels for alerts and guidance.
This series of earthquakes highlights that Guatemala lies on one of the most tectonically active regions of the continent, due to the subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate, which causes frequent seismic activity. In a context marked by vulnerable infrastructure and populations, emergency preparedness and response are vital.
The situation remains under close monitoring by geological services and civil protection agencies. The population is urged to stay alert for further updates and aftershocks.
