A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 struck near Conchagua, El Salvador, on December 9, 2024, at 9:50 PM local time. The epicenter was located 9 kilometers south of the Conchagua district in La Unión Department, approximately 180 kilometers southeast of San Salvador 1 2 4.
Impact and Shaking
The earthquake, which had a depth of 15.4 kilometers, caused significant shaking in the region. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), approximately 12,000 people were exposed to very strong shaking, while 97,000 people experienced strong shaking 1 4. The tremors were felt as far as Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, and reports indicate it was also experienced in Nicaragua 1 2.
Emergency Response and Protocols
In response to the earthquake, Salvadoran civil protection authorities activated emergency protocols to manage the situation and ensure public safety. These protocols included monitoring various locations in the country and assessing potential damage to infrastructure 1 2. Authorities may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage, which could lead to minor disruptions but is expected to resume quickly if no significant damage is found 1.
Assessment and Humanitarian Challenges
As of December 9, there were no initial reports of casualties or significant damage. However, comprehensive damage assessments may take several hours, especially in remote areas. The Ministry of Environment assured that there was no tsunami alert, and no tsunami warning was triggered as a result of this earthquake 1 4. Light to moderate aftershocks are likely over the coming days, with a magnitude 4.4 aftershock reported by the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) approximately seven minutes after the main quake 1.
Infrastructure and Humanitarian Concerns
The shallow nature of the earthquake, combined with its activation of local geological faults, has raised concerns about potential damage to surrounding infrastructure. The USGS has pinpointed the quake's depth at 15.4 kilometers, which could be crucial in determining its impact on the surrounding infrastructure 3. The predominant vulnerable building types in the area are mud wall and informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) construction, which may be more susceptible to damage 5.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Salvadoran civil protection authorities are currently evaluating any potential damage while experts conduct further analysis of this seismic occurrence. The emergency response efforts are ongoing, with continuous monitoring of affected areas to ensure the safety and preparedness of the local population 2 3. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake’s epicenter, but authorities are working to minimize disruptions and restore services as quickly as possible 1.
Regional Impact and Coordination
The earthquake's impact extended beyond El Salvador’s borders, with neighboring countries also feeling the effects. The swift response from Salvadoran authorities and international coordination will be crucial in addressing the humanitarian challenges arising from this event. The region is likely to face ongoing seismic activity, necessitating continued vigilance and preparedness 1 2.