An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter on the coast, struck El Salvador on Tuesday and was felt in several cities in other Central American countries.
The quake struck at 6:22 p.m. (1:22 a.m. today in Lisbon), off the coast of the eastern department of Usulután, 66 kilometers south of El Espino beach and at a depth of 51.48 kilometers.according to the Observatory of the Salvadoran Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN).
MARN stressed that there was no threat of a tsunami.
#earthquake (# earthquake) confirmed by seismic data.⚠Preliminary info: M5.0 || 64 km S of San Miquel (El Salvador) || 8 min ago (local time 20:46:58). Follow the thread for the updates pic.twitter.com/l9phoVJ0wO
– EMSC (@LastQuake) July 19, 2023
So far, authorities are not aware of the existence of any casualties or property damage. Social media users said that, in some areas the electricity and telephone network were downsaid EFE news agency.
| URGENT: Powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 shakes El Salvador, with epicenter off the coast of Usulután, 66 km south of Playa El Espino. It has been confirmed that there is no threat of a tsunami. pic.twitter.com/RemaMMkN6d
– UH NOTICE (@UltimaHoraNo) July 19, 2023
Earthquake causes damage to a house in Usulután, El Salvador. pic.twitter.com/5ODIKusdgW
Diario El Heraldo (@diarioelheraldo) July 19, 2023
The local press reported that government agency alarms had been activated and workers had to be evacuated, EFE added.
The earthquake was also felt in Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, according to MARN.
Most earthquakes in El Salvador occur in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and at greater depths.
In 2021, the country registered two earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.6 on the open Richter scale.
Source: DN
