Guatemala Closes Schools in Capital After Earthquakes
The initial 5.7-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday afternoon struck about 10 miles southwest of Guatemala City, according to the United States Geological Survey. The city has a population of about three million people.
The earthquake and its aftershocks led to landslides that caused some buildings to collapse, the national disaster agency said on social media. At least two people were killed when a boulder fell on their vehicle, the local news media reported, citing firefighters at the scene. Officials in the area could not immediately be reached for comment.
Map: 5.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Guatemala
View the location of the quake's epicenter and shake area.
The government suspended classes at schools and non-essential services in and around the capital after the quakes. Guatemala's Finance Ministry was also closed through at least Wednesday so that inspectors could evaluate the building for damages.
President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala told reporters that some infrastructure, homes and highways had been damaged. He said the earthquake, in a country known for volcanic activity, was not linked to a volcanic eruption.
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