Seismic Shock: El Salvador Shaken by 6.3 Magnitude Quake, No Major Damage Reported

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck El Salvador on Sunday morning, sending tremors across several Central American countries and causing widespread alarm. The quake's epicenter was located off the coast of La Paz, approximately 29 kilometers southwest of Costa del Sol and around 50 kilometers from the capital, San Salvador, at a depth of 33 kilometers. The tremor occurred at 11:18 AM local time, prompting immediate responses from government officials and emergency services. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele took to social media to provide updates on the situation. He confirmed that there were no reports of fatalities or serious injuries, but acknowledged that the authorities were monitoring various sectors of the country, including infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. Bukele reassured citizens, urging them to remain calm and to brace for potential aftershocks, of which six had already been recorded within a short time after the initial quake. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) also played a critical role in the response, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm and informed during this seismic event. Fortunately, initial assessments indicated that no significant material damage had occurred, although authorities reported a few cases of nervous breakdowns, particularly in an evangelical church in the capital. The tremors were felt beyond El Salvador, reaching neighboring countries such as Guatemala, where nine of its 22 departments experienced the quake, including the capital city. In Honduras and Nicaragua, residents reported feeling the earthquake, but similarly, there were no major injuries or damage reported. The Environmental Observatory noted that a total of 27 aftershocks had been recorded following the quake, with 11 of those felt by the population. These seismic occurrences are linked to the ongoing subduction process between the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates. Importantly, MARN confirmed that the seismic activity did not pose a tsunami threat to the coastal areas of El Salvador or to any other region in Central America. Historically, El Salvador has experienced devastating earthquakes, with the last major quake in 2001 resulting in over 1,000 deaths. The government and emergency services remain alert, ensuring that the population is prepared and informed as the situation develops. For now, the nation holds its breath, celebrating the absence of serious casualties while staying vigilant for any future seismic activity.