Recent earthquakes in Guatemala
Guatemala sits at the boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates, marked by the Motagua and Polochic faults that cross the country, while the Cocos Plate subducts off the Pacific coast. This combination produces both shallow strike-slip earthquakes inland and megathrust events offshore. The 1976 Guatemala earthquake (M7.5) ruptured the Motagua Fault and killed about 23,000 people. In the past 24 hours, Guatemala has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.2 | Sep 11, 05:44 UTC | 10 km | 102 km SW of Brisas Barra de Suchiate, Mexico |
| M4.5 | Sep 10, 13:29 UTC | 10 km | 84 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.4 | Sep 10, 06:08 UTC | 10 km | 103 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.3 | Sep 9, 21:08 UTC | 35 km | 79 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.3 | Sep 6, 04:00 UTC | 10 km | 155 km SSW of Acajutla, El Salvador |
| M5.3 | Sep 6, 02:56 UTC | 10 km | 108 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.3 earthquake struck 108 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico at 02:56 UTC on Sep 6 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.5 earthquake struck 84 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico at 13:29 UTC on Sep 10 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.4 earthquake struck 103 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico at 06:08 UTC on Sep 10 at a depth of 10 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Guatemala have earthquakes?
Guatemala straddles two plate boundaries. The North American and Caribbean plates slide past each other along the Motagua-Polochic fault zone, and the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the country off the Pacific coast, driving both faulting and volcanism.
How often do earthquakes hit Guatemala?
Guatemala records frequent small earthquakes and periodic damaging ones. Both the inland strike-slip faults and the offshore subduction zone contribute, keeping seismic hazard high across much of the country.
What was the biggest earthquake in Guatemala?
The February 4, 1976 magnitude 7.5 earthquake ruptured the Motagua Fault, killing about 23,000 people and leaving over a million homeless. It is the most destructive earthquake in Guatemala's modern history.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.