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 3 earthquakes, the largest an M5.9 (50 km WSW of Brisas Barra de Suchiate, Mexico).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.4 | Jul 29, 00:40 UTC | 35 km | 71 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.7 | Jul 28, 16:14 UTC | 48 km | 45 km SSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M5.9 | Jul 28, 05:35 UTC | 35 km | 50 km WSW of Brisas Barra de Suchiate, Mexico |
| M4.1 | Jul 26, 15:48 UTC | 68 km | 69 km SSW of Nueva Concepción, Guatemala |
| M4.3 | Jul 26, 15:34 UTC | 96 km | 10 km E of Nueva Concepción, Guatemala |
| M4.2 | Jul 26, 10:04 UTC | 35 km | 18 km SSW of Ocós, Guatemala |
| M5.1 | Jul 25, 05:26 UTC | 35 km | 43 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.3 | Jul 24, 13:57 UTC | 10 km | 115 km WSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.5 | Jul 23, 22:39 UTC | 10 km | 134 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.5 | Jul 23, 15:29 UTC | 30 km | 103 km SSW of La Esperanza (El Zapotal), Mexico |
| M4.9 | Jul 23, 13:14 UTC | 35 km | 57 km SW of Champerico, Guatemala |
| M4.5 | Jul 23, 12:04 UTC | 10 km | 77 km SW of Champerico, Guatemala |
| M4.2 | Jul 23, 06:47 UTC | 10 km | 148 km SSW of La Esperanza (El Zapotal), Mexico |
| M4.3 | Jul 22, 17:03 UTC | 35 km | 66 km SSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.2 | Jul 22, 11:39 UTC | 10 km | 155 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.5 | Jul 22, 10:24 UTC | 35 km | 66 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.2 | Jul 22, 09:53 UTC | 35 km | 69 km SSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.9 earthquake struck 50 km WSW of Brisas Barra de Suchiate, Mexico at 05:35 UTC on Jul 28 at a depth of 35 km.
A moderate M5.1 earthquake struck 43 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico at 05:26 UTC on Jul 25 at a depth of 35 km.
An M4.9 earthquake struck 57 km SW of Champerico, Guatemala at 13:14 UTC on Jul 23 at a depth of 35 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.