Guatemala tracks aftershocks after July 17 magnitude 7.4 quake

A magnitude‑7.4 earthquake struck Guatemala on Friday, July 17, 2026, prompting continuous monitoring by the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh). The institute recorded more than 300 aftershocks, including a magnitude‑6 event, and explained that the frequency of smaller quakes follows the Gutenberg‑Richter law. Sensors located 90–100 km from the epicenter limit detection of the smallest tremors, but the agency maintains permanent surveillance of the region’s seismic activity.

On Monday, July 20, a separate magnitude‑5.5 tremor was felt along Guatemala’s southern Pacific coast at 04:53 local time. The quake originated 73.9 km deep off the coast of the Mesquite subduction zone, and while it was perceptible in several inland areas and border zones with Mexico and El Salvador, no injuries or significant material damage have been reported. Insivumeh has logged 249 seismic events since the July 17 main shock, most of which were not felt by the public.