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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.4 | Oct 24, 07:31 UTC | 35 km | 74 km SSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.2 | Oct 22, 07:28 UTC | 177 km | 3 km WNW of Patzité, Guatemala |
| M4.6 | Oct 22, 03:35 UTC | 49 km | 97 km SW of El Palmarcito, Mexico |
Notable recent activity
An M4.6 earthquake struck 97 km SW of El Palmarcito, Mexico at 03:35 UTC on Oct 22 at a depth of 49 km.
An M4.4 earthquake struck 74 km SSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico at 07:31 UTC on Oct 24 at a depth of 35 km.
An M4.2 earthquake struck 3 km WNW of Patzité, Guatemala at 07:28 UTC on Oct 22 at a depth of 177 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.