A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit Central America in the Pacific Ocean

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July 18, 2023 Updated: July 18, 2023 9:48 PM

SAN SALVADOR (AP) — A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of El Salvador shook much of Central America from Nicaragua to Guatemala on Tuesday, sending residents in some cities onto the streets.

The USGS reported that the epicenter was 27 miles (43 kilometers) south of Entebca, El Salvador at a depth of 43 miles (70 kilometers). This point is just outside the Gulf of Fonseca where Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua all share the coast.

In the capital of El Salvador, residents took to the streets as the ground shook, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. When a radio station opened its phone lines to residents across the country, there was also no immediate report on casualties.

In the nation’s legislature, lawmakers fled their offices to exit the building, before returning shortly afterwards to resume the session.

The country’s environment ministry has advised that there is no threat of a tsunami.

In Nicaragua, the earthquake was felt strongly in the capital and along the Pacific coast.

Nicaraguan Vice President and First Lady Rosario Murillo said no casualties were immediately reported in that country.

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