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6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Central America, No Damage Reported

8/24/2025

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred off the coasts of Guatemala and El Salvador on August 23, 2025, at 4:14 a.m. local time.
The epicenter was 81 km southwest of Acajutla, El Salvador, at a depth of 10 km.
No damage or casualties have been reported.
Around 1.6 million people experienced light shaking, with minimal impact expected.

History

Historical Context

The 1976 Guatemala earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5, caused over 23,000 deaths and affected 1.2 million people, highlighting the region's seismic vulnerability. In response, Central American countries launched the ATTAC early warning system in 2016 to improve disaster preparedness. The recent 2025 earthquake off Guatemala's coast, measuring 6.0, resulted in no casualties, showcasing advancements in earthquake response strategies.

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Story summary

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred off the coasts of Guatemala and El Salvador on August 23, 2025, at 4:14 a.m. local time.
The epicenter was 81 km southwest of Acajutla, El Salvador, at a depth of 10 km.
No damage or casualties have been reported.
Around 1.6 million people experienced light shaking, with minimal impact expected.

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