San Salvador commemorates 40 years since devastating 1986 earthquake

El Salvador marks the 40th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck San Salvador on October 10, 1986. The seismic event, recorded with a magnitude between 5.4 and 5.7, occurred during the country's civil war and caused massive destruction in the capital.

Historical reports indicate the disaster resulted in approximately 1,500 deaths, though some estimates suggest higher figures. One of the most tragic aspects was the collapse of the Santa Catalina Catholic School in the San Jacinto neighborhood, which claimed the lives of 41 girls and one boy. Iconic structures, including the Rubén Darío building and the Gran Hotel San Salvador, also collapsed.

In commemoration, rescue organizations such as Comandos de Salvamento have held tributes at the sites of former landmarks. The anniversary serves as a period of remembrance for victims and a reminder of the importance of seismic preparedness and improved construction standards in the region, often referred to as the ‘valle de las hamacas’ (valley of the hammocks).