Guatemala authorities attribute Zone 16 rumblings to ground deformation

Authorities in Guatemala have attributed recent rumbling sounds reported by residents in the Hacienda Real area of Zone 16 to ground deformation and soil readjustment. The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Hydrology and Meteorology (Insivumeh) and the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) confirmed that the phenomenon is not related to tectonic seismic activity.

Technical evaluations conducted by Insivumeh included the use of ground-penetrating radar, drones, and the installation of a temporary seismological station. While the investigations ruled out the presence of significant underground cavities or recent mass movements, specialists identified an anomaly between 1.4 and 2.4 meters deep. The reports also noted surface-level moisture and the presence of fill materials over compacted deposits.

Conred has requested that municipal and departmental authorities maintain permanent monitoring of the area, specifically watching for cracks and settlements. Residents have been advised to review local evacuation routes and use the national emergency line, 119, if necessary.